Stay close, live E1
TO BREAK THE RULES, YOU MUST FIRST MASTER THEM.
Launching the Rooftop Collection
FABULOUS VIEWS FROM STUNNING TERRACES THE GRANDE COMPLICATION IS THE ULTIMATE EXPRESSION OF THE WATCHMAKER’S ART. NOW AUDEMARS PIGUET PLACES THIS SUPREME HOROLOGICAL
C O M P L I C AT I O N
IN
THE
SCULPTURAL ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE.
ONE WATCHMAKER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR EACH WATCH IN ITS ENTIRETY - THE 648 INDIVIDUAL
PA R T S , T H E D E TA I L E D A S S E M B LY, T H E F I N E
Take in spectacular views of the City, Canary Wharf and 02 Arena in Greenwich from the generously appointed terrace or balcony that each rooftop apartment offers.
DECORATION. TO ACHIEVE THIS, THEY HAVE
– Spacious balconies or roof CRAFT. terraces MASTERED THE UNIVERSE OF THEIR to allMUST apartments FINALLY, THEY TUNE THE CONCENTRIC
C H I M E S O F T H E M I N U T E R E P E AT E R T O A N
– High specification including underfloor heating, integrated Bosch appliances MASTERY AND THE EAR OF A CONCERT SOLOIST. and composite stone worktops INTERVAL OF A PERFECT MINOR THIRD. TECHNICAL UOSO UO SO HERITAGE H ER E ITAGE OF LE BRASSUS. THE VIRTUOSO
– Stunning views of the City, Canary Wharf, O2 Arena in Greenwich and beyond – Private landscaped communal gardens – Victoria Park & Mile End Park close by
The RoofTop ColleCTion fRom £410,000
– 4 minute walk to Stepney Green Underground for District, Circle & Central lines to the City & West End
Marketing suite & show apartment open Monday – Sunday
– 12 minute walk to Limehouse (DLR) for Canary Wharf
ROYAL OAK K E OFFSHORE GRANDE ATION AT ION COMPLICATION
To BooK An AppoinTmenT CAll 0203 069 2073 oR RegisTeR online AT vivolondon.Com Audemars Piguet UK Ltd IN TITANIUM AND CERAMIC. CERAM
Tel: + 44 207 659 7300 www.audemarspiguet.com Price is correct at time of going to print. Photograph taken from the 8th floor at VIVO. EPC = C.
RO_26571IO_420x297_m.indd 1
06.03.13 14:57
TO BREAK THE RULES, YOU MUST FIRST MASTER THEM. THE GRANDE COMPLICATION IS THE ULTIMATE EXPRESSION OF THE WATCHMAKER’S ART. NOW AUDEMARS PIGUET PLACES THIS SUPREME HOROLOGICAL
C O M P L I C AT I O N
IN
THE
SCULPTURAL ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE. ONE WATCHMAKER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR EACH WATCH IN ITS ENTIRETY - THE 648 INDIVIDUAL PA R T S , T H E D E TA I L E D A S S E M B LY, T H E F I N E DECORATION. TO ACHIEVE THIS, THEY HAVE MASTERED THE UNIVERSE OF THEIR CRAFT. FINALLY, THEY MUST TUNE THE CONCENTRIC C H I M E S O F T H E M I N U T E R E P E AT E R T O A N INTERVAL OF A PERFECT MINOR THIRD. TECHNICAL MASTERY AND THE EAR OF A CONCERT SOLOIST. UOSO UO SO HERITAGE H ER E ITAGE OF LE BRASSUS. THE VIRTUOSO
ROYAL OAK K E OFFSHORE GRANDE ATION AT ION COMPLICATION
Audemars Piguet UK Ltd Tel: + 44 207 659 7300 www.audemarspiguet.com
IN TITANIUM AND CERAMIC. CERAM
06.03.13 14:57
motoring special
JUNE 2013 51
97
COVER IMAGE: The all new Alfa Romeo 4C, p. 33
36
15
45
94
45
WELCOME TO THE GUN SHOW
DANIEL ENGLESMAN explores the highs and lows of owning an elite sportscar
51
ON THE UP?
AIMEE LATIMER delves into motoring’s latest trend, fashion collaborations
54
ALFA MALE
feature
10 THE AGONY & THE ECSSTACY
NEIL BRISCOE gets seduced by the power of American muscle cars in San Diego
15 STARS & STRIPES
As British motor racing becomes a dominant force in Formula 1 once more, TOM SHEEN charts its past and predicts its future
20
JAMES MAY: THE INTERVIEW
MATTHEW CARTER hears why at 50 James May is only getting wilder
Motoring
33 ROMEO’S RETURN
RICHARD BROWN interviews the formidable Alfa Romeo EMEA, Louis-Carl Vignon
Travel
90 THOSE MOUNTAIN ROADS...
MATTHEW BEATTIE goes off-road at The Porsche Travel Club
RICHARD BROWN meets with the chief designers of Alfa Romeo’s 4C before the anticipated model hits the UK’s roads
36
PORSCHE’S B-ROAD BOMBER
42
MOTORING THRILLS DISTILLED
MATTHEW CARTER takes the Cayman S out for a test drive to see whether it could ever compete with Porsche’s legendary 911 ALEX CHRISTOU experiences the precision steering of the lightweight Caterham Supersport R
regulars 57 Watches + Jewellery
89 Travel
71 Fashion
101 property
86 Food & Drink
the
w-list
Erica Musango highlights the best events not to be missed in June, from a supercar street party to the celebration of the anniversary of one of Britain’s most prized cars, as well as an art exhibition unlike any other
RUNWILD M
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Editor-in-Chief Lesley Ellwood
Managing Editor emma johnson
Deputy Editor Richard Brown
Motoring Editor Matthew Carter
Collection Editor annabel harrison
Property Editor Gabrielle Lane
Features Writer aimee latimer
staff writer erica musango
What:
Senior Designer
Landrover
The chosen transport of Winston Churchill, as well as a slew of royals, Land Rover has always been a cut above the rest in the motoring world. This year, the brand is celebrating 65 years in production after its launch in 1948. Land Rover enthusiasts are holding events bringing together models from every decade to celebrate, from the first HUE 166, right through to the latest model, the new Defender LXV special edition. Models on display at the UK testing ground, landrover.com
When: Swarovski for LA BIENNALE DI VENEZIA
“Perspectives”, a beautiful collection of art work by designer John Pawson in conjunction with luxury brand Swarovski, will open on 1 June as part of the 55th International Art Exhibition, la Biennale de Venezia at the Basilica di San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice. labiennale.org
Sarah Connell
Brand Consistency Hiren Chandarana Laddawan Juhong
Who:
Father’s Day
It’s no secret that sads rarely get the props they deserve so it’s always important to make sure you dote on yours on Father’s Day. So while you ponder on their mannish nurturing, patience and protection, be sure to give them a great gift, because after all– they never stop giving to us. Bottega Veneta Slippers, £345, mrporter.com
Fiona Fenwick
Production
Hugo Wheatley ALEX POWELL
Property Director Samantha Ratcliffe
Head of Finance Elton Hopkins
Managing Director Eren Ellwood
7 Heron Quay, Canary Wharf London, E14 4JB
why: Pass the baton
T: 020 7987 4320 F: 020 7005 0045
The City’s most exciting fun run returns for its second year in Hyde Park this month. The sponsored run is held in memory of Andrew Corbett, a credit trader for Mitsubishi, who died while completing the Brentwood Marathon. Last year, hundreds of work colleagues gathered for the Baton of Life event and this year on 6 June at 6pm the runners will complete a five-kilometre run around The Serpentine.
www.rwmg.co.uk
Where:
St John’s wood supercar pageant
If the thrills of the Motorexpo at Canary Wharf whet your appetite for more automotive fun, then head to St John’s Wood for its classic supercar pageant. H.R. Owen’s assemblage of the most exclusive classic cars will offer an impressive range of race-honed cars, which will serve as a scenic backdrop to the on-site funfair, along with Beatles music, special events at local restaurants and shops and a host of activities. North West London will have its very first street closure for the event on 23 June. WHY: nito / Shutterstock.com WHAT: chris87 / Shutterstock.com
General Manager
Runwild Media Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Runwild Media Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved. Subscriptions: A free online subscription service is available for Canary Wharf Magazine. Visit the subscriptions page on our website. www.rwmg.co.uk/subscribe
Hublot Classico Ultra-Thin Skeleton. Extra-thin skeleton movement manufactured entirely by Hublot, with 90 hours of power reserve. Case crafted in a new unique red gold alloy : King Gold. Black rubber and alligator-skin strap.
BOUTIQUE LONDON 31 New Bond Street / Harrods Knightsbridge Tel. 020 3214 9970 • 020 7730 1234 twitter.com/hublot •
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P L E A S E E N J OY O U R C H A M PA G N E R E S P O N S I B LY DRINKAWARE .CO.UK
editor’s letter
JUNE
“People who live in the country tend to bang on about the environment all the time and complain about cars and the harm they cause to nature. Well, all I can say is that their houses spoil the view from my Ferrari…”
And so the inimitable James May, with a characteristic rant from the privileged seat of his supercar, says what most of us have been thinking. Is there any better pleasure than driving in a great car through even greater scenery? I don’t think so. And neither do most of the contributors to our special motoring issue. Take Matthew Beattie, for instance, who experiences the thrills and spills of driving a Boxster through the twisting mountainous roads of Gran Canaria, (p. 94). Or Matthew Carter, as he powers a 1964 Triumph Bonneville T120 along the quiet island roads of Mallorca, (p. 98) James May is right about something else too. “As far as I’m concerned,” he quips, “the country should only be inhabited by farmers and their cows – the countryside is for driving through and looking at.” It’s the city life for him, as he tells us on p. 20. For urbanites and car enthusiasts like May, London is the place to be in June, not least for Canary Wharf’s Motorexpo. A veritable feast for car nuts, the week-long event is a ten-minute dash from the City and a test-drive is the perfect excuse for a long lunch break. And, with exhibitors as illustrious and iconic as Maserati, Jaguar, Mercedes, Porsche, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley and McLaren in attendance, it might even be worth spending the day. Read our guide to the Motorexpo on p. 15. The rest of our June issue is packed full of everything automotive you could imagine, from our pick of the best fashion and car collaborations on p. 15 – Fiat and Gucci being among my favourites – to our feature on the highs and lows of owning a supercar (p. 10). There’s also a review of the latest Porsche Cayman, (p. 32), a look at the best in saloon supercars (p. 36), a preview of Salon Privé (p. 27), a test-drive in America in a Dodge Challenger (p. 45), an analysis of the new breed of sustainable supercars (p. 58) and an exclusive look at the all-new Alfa Romeo 4C, (p. 33). Drive on…
Emma Johnson Editor
JUNE 2013 THE CITY 9
&
THE AGONY THE ECSTASY DANIEL ENGELSMAN investigates the insatiable desire for the ownership of exotic and performance automobiles and the highs and lows that they bring to those who own them
motoring special / feature
W
hen radio DJ Chris Evans spent £12 million on a pristine 1963 Ferrari 250GTO, no-one could quite believe it. Once the nation had got past the fact that Evans actually had that much to spend, the next step was to try to understand why and how anyone could lay out such a fortune on a hunk of voluptuous metal. Such cars are more than vehicles to the people who endeavour to own them. Whether they exist to their owners as collectible art, antiques or just toys to abuse, they continue to be a symbol of status. They are the cherry on top of the icing, completing the concept of a desirable lifestyle. These exotic performance cars have always been a staple of financial standing and taste, but only in that order. No generation claims
immunity to their charm; the obsession begins at a young age. From the obnoxious youths who grew up on Pimp My Ride to retired couples in their golden years who were influenced by the early James Bond features, speed and sound have always played a role in our youthful fantasies of heroism and daring feats. You may find yourself in the minority if a serious set of wheels truly holds no interest to you. It is likely that celebrity infatuation and paparazzi culture have exacerbated the want for supercars. The Beckhams have an astounding global collection, including several Rolls-Royces, Porsches, Range Rovers, a Lamborghini Gallardo and many more. Famed Aston Martin owners include Daniel Craig, Hugh Grant, Steven Gerrard, Elle MacPherson, Rafael Nadal, Jay Kay, Pierce Brosnan and even Prince Charles, to name but a few. Jay Kay, lead singer of Jamiroquai, has always been renowned for having an avid interest in exotic cars and has owned more than 60 of them. Not surprisingly,
he has been clocked for speeding several times. Another musician, George Michael, has famously always owned luxury cars and notoriously crashed his Range Rover into a Snappy Snaps in 2010 while under the influence of drugs. Arguably the most well-known of all British petrol-heads is Rowan Atkinson. An incident with his rare McLaren F1 saw it careering into a ditch. Though rumoured to be a write-off, it was only ‘greatly damaged’ but not irreparable. It cost his insurance company a hefty £910,000 to repair, which is estimated to be one of the largest car insurance settlements in British history. Hollywood stars, footballers, bankers, internet entrepreneurs and other types are often seen driving about town, but despite their obvious statements of status, what is it really like to permanently own one or many? Do they bring as much joy as we’d think? What traumas are involved in supercar ownership? To better understand what it is like to possess these fine machines, I spoke with a handful of exotic and performance car owners about their motoring experiences.
june 2013 THE CITY 11
Name and profession: Jonathan is a recently retired accountant Car: Maserati Granturismo Agony: As yet there have been no stresses, but I well understand that the car is subject to insulting depreciation. However, this doesn’t really faze me as I have no intention of selling it any time soon. Ecstasy: I really think that the Maserati is the perfect combination of refinement and style. It’s so comfortable; and the soft top is marvellous in the summer. My wife and I took a trip to Monte Carlo in late March for a conference and it just performed effortlessly on both the mountain roads and French highways. something different: I love the fine Italian detailing such as stitched crests in the headrests.
Name and profession: Amit is the founder of several successful websites Car/s: Lamborghini Gallardo Agony: I feel a little guilty at how conspicuous it is. I earned the money I used to pay for it in very little time so it still feels a little surreal to me that I own it and I fear that I don’t appreciate its worth as much as I should. Ecstasy: I bought the car second-hand, with all the trimmings and extras, for a pretty reasonable £94,000. I know it’s not the latest model but she still looks incredible and you should hear her roar:
it’s a carnivorous burble that emasculates other drivers at a single rev. All being well, and depending on my schedule, I actually plan on taking her to the Gumball Rally next year. Something different: It’s black and makes me feel like Batman
Name and profession: Selina has an events management company and a sizeable property portfolio Car/s: Aston Martin V8 Vantage Agony: I receive a lot of male attention, though this is not always necessarily a bad thing. I had a mechanical issue with it at the end of the first year and it spent a lot of time in service, which was frustrating. I also believe that Kerry Katona had one but I promise that I didn’t find out until after I got mine! Ecstasy: I love that I can use it every day. It’s just so practical and luxurious and has the charisma that equivalent cars such as the Porsche 911 lack. Something different: I’m a big audiophile and have had a special Bang & Olufsen sound system installed.
Name and profession: Michael is in the hotel business
Car/s: Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2 Roadster and BMW M3 (during the week) Ag o n y: Just the other day, the E-type
stalled on me and I’m being completely honest when I say that it’s never happened before. I suppose it just goes with the territory. Ecstasy: It’s still so beautiful after all this time. The younger lot are clueless as to what it is but we older folk still covet it as we did when we were their age. Having the M3 during the week takes away the worry of the Jag’s frailty, so I get the best of both worlds. Something different: It’s a special edition and all the pieces are original. I get a lot of collectors who try to offer me crazy sums, but I don’t plan on selling it.
Name and profession: Alan is now retired after selling his insurance business in 2006. Car/s: Mercedes McLaren SLR Cabriolet, Ferrari 458 Italia and Range Rover Sport (during the week) Agony: The low bumpers leave me with a fear of many things: I’m terrified of car parks, potholes, traffic, the police, dirt and puddles and jealous vandals, who once managed to key my old Ferrari F430. Ecstasy: I’m fortunate enough to have several options, which means I never get
motoring special / feature
bored, which is important when you’re retired. Something different: The SLR is unique and because it cost me an arm and a leg, I’m pretty sure I’m the only person who has one for many miles around.
Name and profession: Malcolm is a partner at a prominent law firm in the Square Mile Car/s: Maserati MP4 -12C and Mini Cooper S (during the week) Agony: The depreciation on the Maserati is what gives me the most heartache. When I bought it new for £190,000, I was offered a £40,000 premium by another buyer who didn’t want to wait for his. It has been two years since then and I have just found out that the car is now worth £150,000 and I have only driven it a couple of thousand miles. It’s a little insane really, that one decision has left me down by approximately 80 grand, but I suppose it comes with the territory.
Ecstasy: On those perfect summer days, I wake up excited and can’t wait to take it out. Nothing looks like it and nothing sounds like it. I wear the most stupid grin on my face and I just stop caring what people may think. It’s just me and the car, which I regularly admire as artwork in my garage. Something different: Stepping in and out of the car is a
treat – the dihedral doors that flare out are similar to the Lamborghini scissor doors and the doors on the Koenigsegg and they are guaranteed to turn heads.
On perfect summer days, I wake up excited and can’t wait to take the Maserati out From all the above discussions, it is deducible that no bliss is eternal. The highs are obviously quite exceptional, but just like owning and maintaining any appliance, there are financial costs and other stresses to consider. Though celebrity culture may account for some obsession with the cars and the lifestyle they represent, it is the cars themselves that are the attraction, exclusive of the boasting rights that they may carry. Their enthusiastic owners recognise that the excitement and adrenaline from the driving are very much the reasons why they bought them.
june 2013 THE CITY 13
motoring special / feature
STARS What do Maseratis, wings, station wagons and Victoria Beckham have in common? They are all part of fashion’s latest trend, motor collaborations. But, AIMEE LATIMER wonders, is anyone actually making money from it all?
june 2013 THE CITY 15
I
nvesting in a car that is the product of a fashion collaboration is a commitment. Let’s not forget that fashion is fickle and a car is more expensive to change each season than a shirt and harder to hide in the back of a wardrobe. And yet, far from the collaboration trend being exclusive to high-end cars such as Lamborghinis and Maseratis, now Fiats and Smarts are getting in on the action. And the most surprising fact of all? High fashion designers are getting involved at every price level. Motor collaborations with fashion lines are not a new phenomenon. The first time an American car introduced a fashion-house interior was 1971 when Gucci teamed up with the American Motors Corporation (AMC) to spruce up its Hornet car. Gucci decked the Hornet’s beige upholstery with stripes in its signature green and red and then stuck the Gucci crest on the floor panels and fenders. The partnership catalysed an on-going and global relationship between fashion and motor companies that to this day continues to impact the way car firms market themselves as lifestyle brands. The AMC Hornet was not the last of Gucci’s collaborations. In the late 70s it collaborated with Cadillac, in the late 80s with Lincoln, and as recently as 2011 the firm collaborated with Fiat to celebrate
Gucci’s 90th anniversary. The Fiat Special Edition 500 by Gucci is still available to buy in a choice of black or white with both colours featuring the same red and green stripes that lined the Hornet. The Special Edition’s leather seats and chrome detailing do add a touch of class to the modest Fiat but they also add a significant mark-up: a standard Fiat 500 costs £9,960 whereas the Gucci version starts at £14,565. Gucci’s continuing involvement with the motor industry suggests that both designers and motoring companies stand to gain from entering partnerships, with the most transparent perks being prestige, column inches and an excuse to push lucrative limited-edition models. However, is the purchase of a ‘fashion car’ ever a good investment for the buyer? When it comes to fashion motors, there are two ends of the spectrum: functional gilding and attention-grabbing marketing ploys. On the attention-grabbing end we see Smart’s collaboration with Jeremy Scott. An up-and-coming and flamboyant designer whose vision for Smart is surely either an attempt to gain press attention for both parties or an effort by Smart to prove its brand is cool despite, in our humble opinion, a public feeling voicing otherwise. Scott’s model was first revealed at the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2013. Production began later that month for an extremely limited number of special-edition models all licensed for road use and available as a coupé with either a local emission-free electric drive, BRABUS electric drive or a powerful BRABUS 75 kW petrol engine. What is most notable about Scott’s car is that it has wings.
motoring special / feature
Designer Jeremy Scott, known for his Bart Simpson print tops and generous use of colour, explained his decision to weld red-tipped wings onto the back of a passenger car: “I wanted to design something out of the ordinary, something that expressed my dreams and fantasies and transferred my fashion ideas to automotive design. I see myself driving this car and can well imagine my friends and cool people all over the world loving the unique design of this Smart.” Scott’s friends are yet to comment. The unusual car has set the internet alight with speculation over how much it will actually cost, with guesses ranging between anything from £16,000 to £34,000. Speculation aside, fashion collaboration precedents suggest that the model stands to cost significantly more than a standard Smart Fortwo which starrs from only £9,450. If the novelty factor is enough to tempt you to open your wallet, just remember, fun cars are all well and good until you have to go to a funeral in one. At the other end of the spectrum we see sophisticated collaborations such as the 2012 launch of the Range Rover Evoque Special Edition with Victoria Beckham. The Evoque is a beautiful car. The interior boasts luxurious mohair floor mats, tasteful rose gold highlights and tan leather seating. The marketing of Range Rover Evoque Special Edition is remarkably similar to that of a fashion campaign. The promotional imagery featured a pouting Beckham garbed in her own-label dresses. The Special Edition Evoque is luxurious and stylish but it is also
june 2013 THE CITY 17
expensive, setting you back some £50K more than a standard equivalent. Beckham’s recruitment was not a direct attempt by Land Rover to immediately sell cars, or to even just sell its Evoque models (Land Rover sold more than 90,000 non-fashion Evoques from 2011 to 2012). Instead, the campaign was part of a game-plan to raise the profile of Land Rover in the luxury market and to give the brand an association with glamour that will trickle down to cheaper models. “Victoria Beckham drives a Land Rover,” slips off the tongue a lot more easily than, “Victoria Beckham drives a Range Rover Evoque Special Edition with Victoria Beckham.” In a similar fashion, Fendi recently collaborated with Maserati. The two Italian giants debuted the Maserati GranCabrio Fendi at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2011 and then released the car with an extremely limited production of 50 units. Again the car was beautifully crafted. Its exterior was painted in a specially developed shade of ‘Grigio Fiamma Fendi’ grey that shone with an iridescent gold sheen. The seats were made with Fendi’s finest Grigio Chrono leather and were embossed with both Fendi’s ‘F’ logo on the backrests and Maserati’s trident in bright Fendi yellow on the headrests. The car’s design shared the spotlight between both brands and exemplified what mutual benefits a sophisticated collaboration can produce. Namely profit, press coverage and a sense of exclusivity. In many ways these fashion-motor collaborations have become a symbol of wealth, as driving a car that can go out of fashion implies you have another one in the wings, or
motoring special / feature
garage, to replace it. Although collaborations may vary in aesthetics, the reason there appears to have been so many in recent years seems to be because of the collective benefits they offer. The motoring companies make money, the fashion designers raise their profile and flaunt their diversity and the buyers get to own a limited-edition model that injects fashion into their daily routine. It seems that everybody wins; especially when the collaborations are for charity. Mini’s colourful shells and enduring presence in pop culture make it an ideal car to bridge the gap between fashion and motoring. Since 2002, Mini has sponsored the Life Ball in Vienna, Europe’s largest charity event for AIDS and HIV projects. Every year a famous designer designs a one-off Mini which is raffled, with the proceeds going towards the Life Ball and its projects. Because the designers are only creating a one-off model they are given free licence to go to extremes and create a statement car. This liberty was fully embraced by Dsquarded2 who designed the Mini for the 2011 Life Ball. The twin brothers overlooked the fact that the buyer of a Canadian-designed novelty Mini were unlikely to be the off-roading types and so welded eight car driving lights and deep thread tyres to a car they called the ‘Red Mudder’. The aesthetic was memorable, the bravado charming and the money they raised, very real. 2010 saw three Mini designs on show at the Life Ball by designers Kenneth Cole, Diane von Furstenberg and Calvin Klein’s Woman’s creative director, Francisco Costa. Francisco Costa went for the sleek and mysterious look with tinted windows, matt black paintwork and a reflective Calvin Klein
logo on the doors. American designer Kenneth Cole took a glamorous approach and used a brushed-metal exterior that featured around 8,000 studs applied by hand. For the interior, his leather seats were piped with Swarovski crystals and embossed logos. Diane von Furstenberg was equally brazen and scattered her choice of a burnt-orange exterior with DVF’s famous lip-print. 2013’s Life Ball welcomed a Mini designed by Roberto Cavalli and the designers from previous years have included Missoni (2003) Ferré (2004), Versace (2005), Diesel (2006), Mario Testino (2007), Agent Provocateur (2008) and The Blonds for Katy Perry (2009). Mini’s charity exploits are not resigned just to Life Ball. In 2010, Paul Weller designed a one-off Mini Cooper to raise money for charity. A 60s icon, Weller’s pink and brown candy-striped car raised £20,250 for the charities War Child and Nordoff Robbins. Fashion may have been ahead of the times, but now other markets are catching on. In March of this year, Smart launched a new collaboration with Danish interior design company BoConcept; and then in April, Maserati launched a year-long series of events to celebrate its collaboration with British audio specialists, Bowers & Wilkins. Other markets may be diluting motor collaborations but perhaps fashion will continue to trump them all. Besides, Twitter rumours at the time of going to print have it that a suede Porsche has been seen avoiding the rain in Chelsea. The next big fashion car, or a travesty with a glue gun? Only taste will tell.
Images courtesy of Fiat, Maserati, Smart, Land Rover, Mini
june 2013 THE CITY 19
Image: Chris McAndrew
motoring special / interview
“My trouble is that I still have
AMBITIONS” Matthew Carter meets the incorrigible James May and talks about hitting 50 and refusing to slow down
W
ith its snarled-up roads, parking problems and congestion charge zone, you might assume Top Gear’s James May would hate London. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. May has lived in the capital for years and, despite the fame and fortune that’s come his way since BBC2’s flagship programme became a global success, he is still a regular at his local around the corner. He couldn’t contemplate living anywhere else. “As far as I’m concerned, the countryside should only be inhabited by farmers and their cows. As for me living in ‘Mudfordshire’, you’ve got to be joking. The countryside is for driving through and looking at. “People who live in the country tend to bang on about the environment all the time and complain about cars and the harm they cause to nature. Well, all I can say is that their houses spoil the view from my Ferrari…” May sounds as if he’s in a feisty, almost Clarkson-esque, mood but he’s smiling. Unlike his Top Gear co-presenter Jeremy, May doesn’t really do confrontation. He’s happy going to the pub despite his celebrity status. “Most people are pretty civil and just want a quick chat, which is fine.” Occasionally, though, he will encounter a “16-year-old twat” who wants to cause trouble, but even that doesn’t faze him. “Well, I was a twat when I was 16, so I sort of identify with them.” Mostly, though, he believes people see him as ‘everyone’s favourite uncle’, especially now he’s turned 50. That milestone was reached earlier this year. “It’s terrible… I’ve started to fall apart. Getting to 40 was no problem, in fact I felt as if I’d finally grown up, but 50... “According to a friend of mine, the great thing about being 50 is that you’re too old to be ambitious and all you need to do is
lay about waiting for the next drink. My trouble is that I still have ambitions.” For a man who has ticked most of those ‘101 Things You Must Do Before You Die’ boxes – he has flown to the edge of space, driven to the North Pole and even, er, eaten a bull’s penis on TV – you’d be forgiven for assuming he hasn’t much left to achieve. You’d be wrong. Despite the Captain Slow soubriquet he’s given on Top Gear, May drove the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport to a top speed of 259mph on a private test track… and now it seems there might be more to come. “There’s something of a production car top speed war going on,” he says. “There are people in America who have created a thing
Mostly, he believes people see him as ‘everyone’s favourite uncle’, especially now he’s turned 50 called the Hennessey Venom, which they say is faster than the Bugatti. So Bugatti is making what you might call a Super Sport version of the Super Sport, which is estimated to have a top speed of 285 mph or something, and if that happens I think I’d be obliged to have another go.” So what’s it like driving at those sorts of speeds? “This is going to sound a bit obvious but 259 mph is a lot faster than 200 mph. But in the Veyron it’s not so difficult to do – we did the run at the Ehra-Lessien track in Germany, which is dead straight for more than five-and-a -half miles. It’s lined with Armco barriers and so it feels like a normal road, but at those speeds things whizz by very quickly. It’s best not to twitch the wheel…” After a career as an engineering and motoring journalist, he turned to TV and first co-presented Top Gear in 1999, before it was axed due to poor viewing figures.
JUNE 2013 THE CITY 21
But he re-joined the programme in 2003, by which time Clarkson and producer Andy Wilman had re-invented it as the Top Gear we know and love today. And boy do we love it… the first show in the series just gone, peaked at three million viewers, with more than two million tuning in to watch the special from the series, in which Clarkson, May and Richard Hammond attempted to find the source of the River Nile in a trio of (very) second-hand estate cars. May, who along with the other two, has recently signed up for another three years of the programme, believes the format works because ultimately it’s reality TV. “Essentially what you see on screen is a cartoon version of ourselves. Jeremy and I play a retard and a lunatic, swapping roles every so often… but the thing is that’s pretty much how we are in real life.” “If we are honest, we are baffled by its success. If I’d known how arduous it was going to be, I might have thought twice about becoming part of the team…” By arduous, May is thinking in particular about the specials which take at least ten days to film and more to plan and edit. The trip to the North Pole was nearer one month in filming. That said, he really enjoys those features. “We get a chance to breathe, to relax into the longer format. And, of course, they have given me the opportunity to do things I would never have
been able to do otherwise. Riding across Vietnam on scooters is a particular favourite. And although these aren’t documentaries, they are a mix of the factual and pure entertainment which seems to hit the spot. It’s true reality TV.” The success of Top Gear has also allowed May to come up with some “self-indulgent” programme ideas that might not otherwise have seen the light of day. James May’s Toy Stories is one such. “That ‘favourite uncle’ thing is because I play with toys… at my age! But Toy Stories was good fun to do and generated a lot of interest in traditional toys like Lego, Meccano, Scalextric, Airfix kits and model railways.
Essentially, what you see on screen is a cartoon version of ourselves. Jeremy and I play a retard and a lunatic, swapping roles every so often… “Perhaps my most self-indulgent programme is James May’s Man Lab, where, essentially, I make things. The premise behind it is that a man with a set of machine tools becomes sexually attractive to women… and any man can identify with that.
motoring special / interview
“It’s strangely popular with a hardcore viewership, but it would be great to attract a wider audience. We are looking at another series, but nothing has been confirmed yet.” But while the next series of Top Gear is at the planning stage, May will be back on our screens soon, writing and presenting a “highbrow documentary” about cars. It will go out later this year under the Top Gear umbrella, but Clarkson and Hammond are not involved. “It’s a documentary about cars of the people. I’m not talking about cars like the Model T Ford and the Austin Seven, both of which were still pretty exclusive in their day, but cars like the VW Beetle, bubble cars, the Cortina. “I even reckon that the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow is a car of the common people… and I believe my argument stands up. But you’ll have to see the programme to find out why!” When it comes to his own transport, his everyday car – a Fiat Panda – is very much of the people, though there are a couple of Porsche 911s, a Ferrari 458 and a Rolls-Royce Corniche in the garage. There are also 20 or so motorbikes, mainly classics by Triumph, Moto Guzzi and the like… although his favourite is probably his Honda Cub, a real bike of the people. Interested in all things mechanical he also owns a high wing, single-engined Cessna 185, which he reckons to fly at least once a month. And, obviously, it’s perfect for going to look at the countryside before returning to the civilisation we call London.
june 2013 THE CITY 23
Just a couple of hours from home. And yet a world away.
w w w. a u s t r i a . i n f o
Yo u r p e r s o n a l H o l i d a y I n f o r m a t i o n L i n e : 0845 101 1818 (calls charged at local rates)
motoring
special
EVENT:
SALON PRIVÉ 2013
Not only is it now the third best motor show in the world, after Pebble Beach and Villa D’Este, but Salon Privé takes luxury and glamour to a whole new level, says Emma Johnson
I
want to say that the best thing about Salon Privé is the incredible ticket options – which all include unlimited Pommery Champagne, a divine lobster lunch, afternoon tea, access to a luxury shopping village, and full access to an incredible car show, all from just £195. And maybe it is the best thing about it. But then I haven’t even mentioned the wonderful Chubb Insurance Concours D’Elegance – a parade of some of the most elegant, exciting and renowned cars throughout history; while the new Owners Club events this year – for Porsche, Ferrari and Aston Martin – offer
exclusive events and luxury catering in beautiful private spaces, all with full access to the rest of the show. In addition, a HyperCar Collection boasts awe-inspiring cars from Pagani Huayra, Bugatti Veyron and Koenigsegg Agera, among others. Set this all against the backdrop of the stunning Syon Park, throw in live entertainment, a luxury shopping village featuring jewellery, watches, private jets and yachts, and the British Super Car show, with everyone from Audi and Bentley to Maserati and McLaren, and you have all the ingredients for a motoring and luxury extravaganza. 4 – 6 September 2013; tickets available from salonprivelondon.com
THE COLOUR AND THE GLORY 0844 411 5080 royalascothospitality.co.uk
TUESDAY 18TH JUNE TO SATURDAY 22ND JUNE 2013
XXXXXX motoring specialfeature / event
Canary Wharf
Motorexpo As Motorexpo returns to Canary Wharf for its 18th year, we give you the definitive guide to this year’s event – with highlights and high-performance cars that will power you into the fast lane
T
his June, hundreds of the world’s leading luxury and highperformance cars will be showcased in Canary Wharf for the 18th annual return of Motorexpo. From 10 – 16 June, more than 425,000 visitors are expected to attend what is the world’s largest admission-free motoring event. Each year, Motorexpo has grown as more and more manufacturers choose this unique platform to showcase new models and debut vehicles that have never before been seen in the UK. Motorexpo’s first stop is Canary Wharf, an area that shares the motoring world’s passion for performance, intelligence and technology. Over two hundred cars will be showcased inside and outside the Wharf’s towering offices before the event travels stateside to Toronto, 24 – 28 June, and then to New York, 8 – 13 September. The City Magazine gives you the essential guide to the show, as we reveal the not-to-be-missed events and must-see motors that make Motorexpo world-renowned. And whether your’re with family or friends, have a lunch-break or a whole weekend to spare, we feature the best places to eat, drink and browse across Canary Wharf’s 280 bars, restaurants and shops. Open for one week, with no tickets needed, no admission fees and no queues, visit Motorexpo between 10am and 6pm from Monday to Saturday, and between 11am and 5pm on Sunday. Rev your engines and enjoy the show.
june 2013 THE CITY 27
THE HIGHLIGHTS
With numerous brands launching new models to the market and showcasing the latest in design and innovation, there’s plenty to see at Motorexpo 2013...
UK Debut of Range Rover Sport 2013 Range Rover Sport, Land Rover
UK Debut Of SKODA Superb Hatch SKODA are proudly debuting their re-designed Superb Hatch model for the first time in the UK at the Motorexpo. The new Superb Hatch has had its profile overhauled and been given a significantly wider grille plus restyled bumpers, bonnets and LED headlights. The new SKODA Superb Hatch will be available in the UK from 17 July with six advanced engine options, three petrol and three diesel, and will retail from a starting price of £18,555. The line’s power outputs range from 105PS (1.6 TDI CR) to 260PS for the 3.6 V6 model. The re-design was not only aesthetic, the model’s engines are 19 per cent more economical than the previous generation’s units, and a fuel-efficient GreenLine version offers emissions of just 109g/km.
The hugely anticipated all-new Range Rover Sport will make its UK debut at Motorexpo, a full two months before it becomes available to buy in autumn this year. Advertised by no less than James Bond’s own Daniel Craig, the updated model offers unrivalled all-terrain capacities paired with exceptional passenger comfort. The new Range Rover Sport can seat seven, however is lighter and more efficient than the original model because it is constructed largely from lightweight aluminium. This results in a weightsaving of 420kg, which contributes to a 15 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions. Prices start from £51,550.
Kia Pro_Cee’d Kia’s dynamic new pro_cee’d is the eagerly awaited three-door addition to the celebrated cee’d range launched in 2012. Backed by an industry leading seven-year warranty, the model has extensive safety features, including six airbags, an anti-lock breaking system and emergency brake signalling.
Jaguar f-type The Jaguar F–Type is one of the most anticipated cars of the year. The F–Type layers a supercharged engine, a lightweight aluminium body and advanced driving technologies to deliver a vehicle with a performance that is both intuitive and instinctive.
motoring special / event
A Good Cause For the past three years, Motorexpo has proudly supported the charity UK Youth, based in Heron Quays. The charity’s network of 7,250 Youth Clubs and projects has helped provide 790,000 young people with vital access to learning opportunities, and has also promoted key life skills and confidence that young people need to become employable adults. In association with UPS, Motorexpo is holding a gala dinner at Boisdale in Canary Wharf on 12 June to raise money for UK Youth. The dinner will be attended by special guests His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent, The Princess Royal Princess Anne and UK Youth president and former F1 motor racing world champion, Nigel Mansell CBE. Since becoming involved with UK Youth, Motorexpo has helped to raise the profile of a road safety initiative called the Road Code Programme that promotes road safety among young people through classroom-based learning and time spent behind the wheel of a driving simulator. ukyouth.org
Porshce 911 For five decades, the 911 line has been the flagship of the Porsche brand. Take a closer look at the 911 at the Canary Wharf show and discover why this sports car has set the benchmark for all rival vehicles.
Driveme Before You Buy Me Don’t miss out on the chance to actually drive the latest and greatest cars on show this year. It is anticipated that 60 per cent of manufacturers showcasing vehicles at this month’s Motorexpo will be offering test drives of their cars. Each individual manufacturer organises their test drives, which typically consists of an accompanied drive around the Canary Wharf estate and East London. Look out for participating manufacturers by spotting Driveme logos and stickers dotted across the venue. However, keep in mind that these test drives will be popular; to avoid disappointment book early at your chosen vehicle’s stand. In all cases, drivers will have to show their driving licence and meet each manufacturers’ test drive criteria to get behind the wheel.
june 2013 THE CITY 29
SOMETHING FOR
EVERYONE
There are plenty of ways to enjoy Motorexpo 2013 - from a leisurely day with family to an action-packed afternoon with friends...
With Family Canary Wharf’s excellent transport links and diverse range of shops and child-friendly restaurants makes Motorexpo a brilliant day out for the family. The Jubilee Line takes visitors straight to the Canary Wharf Underground Station which opens directly into Jubilee Plaza, one of the main outside spaces used by Motorexpo. Alternatively, the Docklands Light Railway stops at both Heron Quays DLR and Canary Wharf DLR. The DLR tends to be less crowded than the underground and, because it travels over ground, offers brilliant views of Canary Wharf’s architecture – plus, children will love it. Motorexpo is open the 15 – 16 June weekend, but if you visit on a weekday expect the venue to get busy between 12pm to 2pm when office workers attend during their lunch breaks. Avoid the crush by having lunch at one of several restaurants with children’s menus, all within walking distance. Plateau in Canada Place specialises in light and contemporary twists on French cuisine. Their children’s menu will appeal to even fussy eaters as it covers kid’s classics made fresh in-house such as mini burgers and fresh pasta with tomato sauce. Jamie’s Italian in Churchill Place has an excellent children’s menu that is well-suited for more adventurous eaters. For a fun and healthy choice, try Happy Chicken Lollipops – made from chargrilled free-range chicken fillets, they come served with a lemony yoghurt and mixed seeds for dipping. There are hundreds of cars to view, but if you’re considering purchasing a family-friendly car that doesn’t skimp on performance and style, stop by the new SEAT Leon. The SEAT Leon is a brilliant car for gadget lovers. It is SEAT’s first family hatchback with optional full-LED headlights which provide an efficient beam that
is closer to daylight than any other headlight type. The Leon also comes with a drive profile that engages the driver’s primary senses to improve their experience. For example, by switching between three distinct modes (Eco, Normal and Sport), the car adapts the engine response, power steering, interior ambient lighting and even the engine sound. Plus, there is an individual setting which allows the driver to select their favourite aspects of each mode and create their own personal driving experience. Once you have had your fill of motors, there are plenty of shops in Canary Wharf to enjoy a few hours browsing in. Why not treat yourselves to a colourful cupcake in Canada Place at Sweet Couture? Opposite this stand sits Waitrose Food, Fashion & Home, where on the ground floor there is a range of children’s toys, clothes and accessories.
Jamie’s Italian, Churchill Place
motoring special / event
Iberica Terrace, Cabot Square
Roka, The Park Pavilion
Exige S, Lotus
With Friends Whether you’re seriously looking for a new car or just intrigued by the exciting range of vehicles on show, the must-see new Lotus Exige S is one of the most rare and luxurious cars at Motorexpo. In true Lotus fashion, the Exige S originates from motorsport technology. Their racing heritage, which includes over 50 years of on and off participation in Formula 1, is channelled through the Exige S’s appearance and performance. Its aerodynamic silhouette, race-inspired steering wheel and supportive seats amplify its potent abilities. With a max speed of 170 mph, its 345 hp (350 PS) supercharged V6 engine that goes 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds is not for the faint of heart, but it’s well worth a visit to their stand. After a morning of motoring, compare notes from your test drives, with a leisurely lunch at Roka in the Park Pavilion at Canada Square. On Mondays, they serve beautiful lobster dishes for £20 pp. If the weather is playing ball, try an alfresco glass of Sangria or Spanish beer at Iberica La Terraza in a leafy corner of Cabot Square; or head to Boisdale Canary Wharf, in Cabot Place, for a more boisterous affair with whisky and cigars. Treat yourself to a fine grass fed, 30 day dry aged Aberdeen steak or their renowned oysters.
In Your Lunch Hour What better way to enjoy an hour out of the office than combining browsing a range of supercars, followed by a quick bite for lunch? Should you have your commute on the brain, take a look at the new Mercedes E-Class, a brilliant car for the charismatic but conscientious city professional. Sleeker and smarter than its previous generation model, this latest saloon is the most distinctive E-Class yet. The front section has been reworked to feature two headlamps rather than four and the smart but powerful engine boasts CO2 emissions as low as 125 g/km. Follow a test drive with a quick lunch, and whether you fancy fresh baguettes from Paul’s in Jubilee Place or a Salt Beef from the experts at Birley there’s plenty of choice. For a hot and portable snack on-site and on the go, there are hot-food stands in Reuters Plaza – both The Gourmet Hotdog Company and Kanapina offer a wide variety of toppings and tastes at their respective hotdogs and Indian street food stands.
Centenary Vanquish, Aston Martin
who to see, where One Canada Square: Porsche , Mercedes, Aston Martin, Land Rover, Lotus, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley, Maserati, McLaren. Canada Square Park: BMW, Jaguar, MINI, Infiniti, Volvo, SEAT, Lexus, Mercedes. Reuters Plaza: Chrysler, Jeep. Cabot Square: Tesla, Volvo, Honda, SEAT, BMW, Audi, Skoda; Great British Sports Cars; UK Youth/UPS Road Code Programme display.
june 2013 THE CITY 31
motoring special / interview
Romeo’s
Return
Revealed as a concept back in 2011, Alfa Romeo’s 4C met with universal adulation when the production model was unveiled at this years’ Geneva Motor Show. Ahead of its introduction to UK roads, Richard Brown met with the car’s exterior chief designer Alessandro Maccolini, and interior chief designer Ramon Ginah
C
harged with the task of re-launching one of motoring’s most iconic brands into the American market, a considerable amount of pressure rides on the shoulders of the new Alfa Romeo 4C. For the company’s bigwigs, then, it will have come as a welcome relief when the car won What Car? magazine’s 2013 Reader Award for the most exciting car to be launched this year. Looking at these exclusive pictures The City Magazine was invited
to take at Alfa’s facilities in Turin, it’s not hard to see why. Set to rival the Porsche Cayman and Lotus Evora, the 4C’s exterior styling remains faithful to the original concept, coming in just shy of four metres in length, two metres in width and 1.18 metres in height. Under the bonnet, a 1.75 litre four-cylinder turbo engine delivers 237-bhp, with power being delivered to the rear wheels via Alfa’s twin-clutch TCT transmission. Expect 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. Price-wise, while official numbers haven’t yet been announced, figures of around £45,000 have been touted.
june 2013 THE CITY 33
How happy are you with the finished 4C? Alessandro Maccolini, chief exterior designer: Very happy, mostly because of the speed of the process involved in getting us here. The car was born as a concept in September 2010. We’ve turned it into a production car in just over two years. That’s a fantastic result as this is not a simple car, it’s a sporty car that can consider its competitors cars from Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren.
You’ve won several design awards since the car was first unveiled. Does this engender a certain sense of pride? Ramon Ginah, chief interior designer: Satisfaction more than pride. As Alessandro said, we were working to a very tight schedule with this car. It was a very difficult project in terms of costs of design; this was something that forced us to think in different ways. But when you get results like this, when you see it for the first time and it’s like you imagined it, it gives you satisfaction that your initial thoughts were in the right direction.
What was the hardest aspect involved when designing the car? AM: When a concept car gets turned into a production car you’re going to expect more or less the same structure with the same main elements. That’s very, very hard to maintain. You have things like dynamic performance to think about, and other obligations to fulfil. The 4C is not like a normal production car. Here, you need the correct aerodynamics and downforce for handling. Connecting these elements with good styling, which sometimes seem like opposites, can be a difficult process. RG: With the interior, the space we were dealing with was very small. But it had to be designed in a way that would allow people to enjoy driving it. I tried to be influenced by the motorbike. When you drive a motorbike, it’s very much just you and the bike. You can’t permit any interference between that. When you have such a light production, you live in a world like that. It was difficult to achieve this feeling of oneness between man and machine.
What were the biggest risks you took with the 4C? AM: I know that on some blogs there has been consideration of the mirrors and the headlights. Some people have been saying that they look strange. But they were new, they were concepts, so they were always going to be a risk. In terms of design, those things are pure in regard to the direction of performance.
What is the most exciting aspect of the 4C? RG: For me, the information cluster. It expresses the maxim of this car: performance. Everything is linked to driving and the enjoyment of driving and that continues all the way to the functions and information displayed through the cluster. AM: For the exterior I think it’s the general sensuality of the car. The treatment of the lines and the curves. This car has its own language.
What dictates the designing of a highperformance sports car?
How Italian is this car?
AM: When it comes to Italian cars, everything comes down to styling. You have to look to the past and respect what you’ve seen before. When you’re downsizing into a compact car, proportion and volume become key.
AM: Very. In this case it’s about a strong connection between the skin and what happens under the skin. It’s not solely about shape. I can look at the finished product and describe how every area of the surface is related to the pieces below.
RG: It’s all about performance, so the first thing is to keep the weight as low as possible. The second is functionality, creating interiors absolutely designed for the driver.
Describe the 4C in three words: AM: Sensual Italian performance. RG: Engineered driving purity.
motoring special / interview
“The treatment of the lines and the curves means this car has its own language”
JUNE 2013 THE CITY 35
motoring special / REVIEW
PORSCHE’S B-ROAD BOMBER
Who needs a 911 when its baby brother, the Cayman S, is this good? M at t h e w Ca rt e r provides the answer
I
f I were a Porsche high-up, I’d be worried that my company had shot itself in the foot. The ultimate Porsche, after all, is meant to be the 911. It’s the car on which the company built its reputation – and today, 50 years after the original appeared, it’s an icon. And yet it’s not the best sports car in the company roster. That honour falls to the new Cayman S, a car that frankly offers a lot more for a lot less. It was always a damn fine car, the Cayman, but the all-new version transcends even that. With ‘only’ 325 hp to play with, it’s not quite as quick as its big brother. But it’s plenty quick enough for these shores. Most shores, in fact. Do you really need a top speed of more than 175 mph or need to rocket to 62 mph in less than five seconds? In all other respects, however, it is so far ahead of the 911 that there’s really no contest. Its body control, the purity of its steering and its exceptional ride comfort all beat the venerable 911, while its more compact dimensions mean it’s easier to hustle down a typical British ‘B’ road. And the practical aspects put it in another league: for example, it has much more luggage space – two boots, you see. There’s a deep, square 150-litre boot at the front and a 275-litre space behind the seats accessed via the rear hatch; the engine is tucked away
underneath just ahead of the rear axle. The 911, in contrast, has a similar luggage area at the front but nothing at the back, aside from two feeble rear seats best used to house a jacket or briefcase. At least the Cayman makes no pretence to being a four-seater. The Cayman is also more economical, produces fewer emissions and it’s much cheaper to buy and run. The manual Cayman S costs less than £49k while the cheapest 911, the 3.4-litre Carrera with 360 hp from what’s essentially the same engine, starts at a cool £71.5k. Granted the list price is only a starting point when buying a Porsche and anyone who opts for a bog-standard Cayman S will be in a minority of one. Even so, £22,500 – the difference between the two models – will buy you a great deal of extra kit before you can get the final bill close to 911 territory. So what is it that’s so special about the new Cayman that makes it such an improvement over the 2005 original? As ever with these things, it’s not just one thing that lifts it above its predecessor, but a host of improvements and changes. For starters it’s longer, lower and wider than before, not to mention stiffer and yet lighter, too. The wheelbase has been stretched by 60mm which might not sound much, but adds greatly not only to the interior space but more importantly to the predictability of the chassis.
june 2013 THE CITY 37
review / motoring special
The stiffer shell, in turn, means greater refinement and a better ride: the more rigid chassis allows the suspension to do its job better and which, in turn, means it can be softened to enhance ride quality. And the lighter weight – it’s been on a diet and lost as much as 30kg – means the extra power from the 3.4-litre engine doesn’t have to be squandered hauling around extra avoirdupois but can be put to better use – like providing truly exhilarating performance, lower emissions and better fuel economy. It looks better, too. Like the new Boxster, this is the first time Cayman has been able to go it alone without having to borrow such things as its doors from the 911, for example. The result is a more cohesive look and one that increases its on-road presence. The interior is also better than before with some elements borrowed from the Panamera, lifting both quality and functionality to new levels. And although it’s traditional to joke about the sparse levels of standard equipment in a Porsche – well, in any German car to be honest – those in the Cayman S aren’t too bad. Part-leather upholstery, automatic lights, a seven-inch touchscreen, bi-xenon lights, auto start-stop and 19-inch wheels are all standard; though the interesting stuff is extra. Porsche has even developed an automatic throttle blip for manual cars designed to flatter even the cack-handed (well, cack-footed) driver. To drive, it’s better still. To show the car off to its maximum, Porsche chose to launch the Cayman S and the little 275 hp 2.7-litre Cayman over some seriously demanding roads up in Scotland. The narrow roads twisted and turned, rose and fell in every direction. After the hard winter, the surfaces were pockmarked and battle-scarred. And with substantial drops from some of the roads up in the hills, it was not for the faint-hearted. Yet both Cayman models took everything in their stride. It sounds like a cliché, but from the moment you slip behind the wheel of the Cayman you become part of the car. The steering is precise – and shows how good an electromechanical system can
38 THE CITY JUNE 2013
be – while the manual gearbox is delightfully mechanical. The paddle-shifting PDK automatic seven-speeder might be quicker, but there’s nothing more rewarding than interacting with the car through a good old-fashioned manual shifter. And it’s quick. Even the ‘ordinary’ Cayman is breathtakingly capable, but the extra 50 horses and greater torque of the ‘S’ make progress simply effortless. I can’t possibly reveal the speeds I reached on one wide, open straight alongside a loch. Oh, and to the driver of the Astra rental car coming the other way over one of the tighter passes, the brakes are brilliant too, aren’t they? The Cayman S really does become an extension of your personality and it rewards driver input time and time again. In fact, it’s so good that the 911 ought to be seriously under threat. If I were a Porsche high-up I’d be very worried indeed.
Car: Porsche Cayman S Price: £48,783 Engine: 3,436cc, flat six-cylinder Power: 325 hp Performance: 175 mph max, 0-62 mph in 5.0 secs Drive: Rear-wheel drive, six-speed manual
A WOLF IS JUST AN OVEN, LIKE A DIAMOND IS JUST A STONE Iconic design. Enduring quality. Superior performance
www.subzero-wolf.co.uk
251 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London SW3 2EP 0845 250 0010
When is an e
state not an estate? When apparently, d it’s a Shootin iscovers M at g Brake t h e w Ca rt er
SHAPES OF
THINGS
Car: Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake 350 CDI Price: £52,400 Engine: 2,987cc, V6-cylinder Power: 265 hp Performance: 155 mph max, 0-62 mph in 6.6secs Drive: Rear-wheel drive, seven-speed automatic
motoring special / REVIEW
D
amn the Germans. Back in the days when most of the map was pink and there was still a British Empire, the toffs of the day drove Shooting Brakes, invariably special-bodied Rolls-Royces with ample space in the back for beaters, guns and picnic hampers. Today we might call such a confection an estate, but back then an estate was what you drove around when blasting grouse out of the sky. But times change, and the Shooting Brake no longer exists, its place taken on the hills by the Range Rover. And that has allowed the Germans, well Mercedes-Benz, to steal the name for something that, on paper at least, sounds quite mad: a five-door coupé-estate. In developing niche model after niche model, the German manufacturers are leaving no stone unturned. And M-B is the past master of the art of creating something we never knew we needed. From the E-class saloon – the dependable, if dull, mainstay of the German taxi market – M-B first gave us the E-class estate and then a coupé and convertible. But the real breakthrough came a few years ago when the company came up with the CLS, a four-door coupé based on E-class underpinnings. The idea was to marry most of the practicality of the saloon with the style of a coupé: it had four doors but a dramatically sloping roofline that gave it a sense of presence and style the standard four-door could never have. That makes five different models from one basic platform; and now we are six. The latest shape is the CLS Shooting Brake which aims to do to the E-class estate what the CLS did to the saloon. If you’re a family man who needs plenty of space to haul children and their detritus around you might still need the cavernous boot of the estate. But if you simply need a bit of extra space to carry around sporting equipment – yes, even guns – the Shooting Brake offers a very real and stylish alternative to the near ubiquitous Range Rover, Discovery or Jeep. As ever, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but few can deny that the Shooting Brake is one of the more head-turning shapes on the road today. And to these eyes at least, it’s one that’s altogether more harmonious than the CLS coupé. With its deeply sculpted flanks, fat haunches and a steeply sloping roofline framing the dramatically shaped side windows, the Shooting Brake is unlike anything else. And while the plunging roof and near-fastback rear
hatch does take away some of the practicality of the estate, when it looks this good who cares? Bearing in mind this is about as niche a product as you can get, the model range is limited to three engine options – two-diesel, one barking-mad AMG 557 hp V8 petrol – and two trim levels, one geared towards comfort and the other towards sport. If you can cope with the V8’s thirst, the prodigious power is utterly beguiling, but in the real world one of the two diesels probably makes more sense; and the better of the two is the 3.0-litre V6. It’s a fabulous engine that, as well as being remarkably economical – it should return 50mpg on a run if you’re careful, is rapid, responsive and refined. The only time you’ll realise this is a diesel is when starting on a cold morning – at all other times the V6 simply purrs away in the background. That refinement more than matches the rest of the car. Although not built to be an out-and-out sports car, the CLS is sporting in its outlook, yet extremely comfortable thanks to the standard air suspension. The Shooting Brake also has the benefit of self-levelling rear suspension so that the back-end always rides level, no matter how much has been shoved into the boot. And despite that sloping roofline, this is a still a big estate. Why, with the seats up there’s more load space than an Audi A6 Avant and almost as much with the seats folded flat. Are you really sure you need a conventional E-class estate? Disappointments? Only one, really, and that’s the fact that Mercedes hasn’t managed to ring the changes inside the cabin. While the exterior looks seriously special, the interior is carried over from the E-class coupé. There’s nothing much wrong with it from a practical point of view, just that it looks a little workmanlike compared to the exterior. Mind you, you could go mad and splash out £4,000 on a beautiful yacht-like cherry wood floor for the load area… but the first child who scratches it would likely lose more than just a week’s pocket money. So the only remaining choice to be made lies between the standard offering or the AMG Sport version. The latter adds a more sporting suspension set-up, 19-inch wheels, sports pedals and AMG styling bits on the exterior. Whether it’s worth the extra £3,655 is questionable, frankly. Despite the odd idea of an estate that thinks it’s a coupé, the Shooting Brake concept works exceptionally well. Wonder what the Germans are going to come up with next…
june 2013 THE CITY 41
Motoring Thrills
Distilled
T
here is something refreshingly honest about Caterham’s approach to motoring. Since purchasing the rights to the Lotus Seven some 40 years ago, the company has continued to hone the design of the pared-back road racer with a clear focus on the pleasure of driving. Those years might have seen considerable advances in the materials and technology used, but the recipe hasn’t changed. Whichever model you choose it will be small, light, fast, responsive and exciting. At £27,995 (or £24,995 if you fancy building it yourself), the Supersport R
ALEX CHRISTOU drives the lightweight Caterham Supersport R sits in the middle of the Caterham range, aiming to deliver thrills both on the road and on the track. It is more performancefocused than the entry-level Classic and Roadsport models, but not quite as extreme as the ballistic Superlight R400 and R500. Despite the differing levels of performance, all of them are stripped-out sports cars and probably not suitable if your idea of motoring pleasure is defined by thick carpets and massaging seats. From the moment you step into the Supersport R and slide yourself down into the unpadded race seats, buckle the four-point harnesses and reach for the red starter button, you know that you’re in for a good time. The engine barks into life and revs freely, reacting to any prod of the
throttle pedal with a gruff growl before sitting at an unsteady idle. The cockpit is cramped, but this means that all controls fall easily to hand, even the indicators which are operated by a silver toggle switch on the dashboard. The beauty of the Supersport R is its simplicity. It comes with little more than composite sports seats, a limited slip differential and four-point racing harnesses. You can make it a bit more liveable by specifying a heated windscreen and wetweather equipment, and most owners will want the wider SV chassis which is a £2,500 option. But for a focused machine such as this, that is all you need. After all, there is no mistaking this for an everyday car, but as something to be enjoyed as a driving tool on
motoring special / REVIEW
high days, holidays and track days. Find a decent country road and you will soon understand why Caterhams are so respected by car enthusiasts. It’s all about the dynamics and the intimate relationship that forms between man and machine once you dial into the performance on offer. With an 180bhp, two-litre Duratec engine to propel just 535kg – almost half the weight of the latest Ford Fiesta – the Supersport R feels more than fast enough on the road. A 0-60mph time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 130mph may sound impressive but those figures only tell half the story. When you consider that this car has a similar power-to-weight ratio as the £140,852 Porsche 911 Turbo S, you realise what a performance bargain it is. Once on the go, the low weight means that any push of the throttle pedal launches you off towards the horizon with an inertia-free feeling normally reserved for the highest performing supercars. You sit with your legs stretched out in front of you and a feeling that your backside is no more than a few inches above the ground. The lack of roof means that visibility is excellent even if the wing mirrors only offer a distorted view due
to the plastic side windows. All of this adds to the feeling of being in a steroidal go-kart, and a good-looking one at that. Even the relatively discreet Battleship Grey of the test car, with its contrasting orange Superlight decal pack, draws intrigued glances and nods of appreciation from passers-by.
but it feels benign and predictable. Add in the exposure to the elements and the throaty exhaust note and you have a truly intoxicating, addictive experience. It might be uncompromising, but on the right road, in the right weather, there are few cars available that can touch the Caterham
You only have to flick your wrists to carve a perfect line through corners. Such is its precision, you wonder why a sports car would have assisted steering The steering, which feels heavy at low speeds, feels light and delicate once you are on the move. It is sharp and accurate, meaning that you only have to flick your wrists one way or the other to carve a perfect line through corners. Such is its precision that you are left questioning why any sports car would have assisted steering. It is firmly sprung, but no more so than many of today’s hot hatchbacks. The pedals are so close together that heel-and-toe downshifts are easily executed. In the dry, the Supersport R generates plenty of grip and feels predictable and planted even at high speed. There’s enough power there to provoke movement from the back-end
Supersport R for pure driving pleasure. It is a car for the true driving enthusiast and one that will certainly make you a better driver.
june 2013 THE CITY 43
motoring special / feature
Welcome to the Gun Show American muscle cars are a totally different beast to the sleek, showy stallions of their European counterparts; but why? Neil Briscoe heads to San Diego to drive the mighty Dodge Challenger, and on the way falls in love with a rather large boat. Maybe size does matter‌
june 2013 THE CITY 45
T
he USS Midway sits, looking rather like a grey cliffface, at the side of the harbour in San Diego, California. It’s not segregated from the public, but is in fact a floating museum, charting the hundred-year history of American naval aviation, and even if you’re not visiting (and you should) you can walk right up to it and marvel at its sheer size. She displaces 74,000-tonnes, which sounds like a lot, until you consider the 101,000 tonnes displaced by the nuclearpowered Nimitz-class carriers that can be clearly seen across the harbour in the sprawling naval base that is downtown San Diego’s neighbour. The Midway might be a lightweight compared with her more modern shipmates (a Superleggera aircraft carrier?) but she has a fascinating history. Commissioned at the end of the Second World War, she was originally a straightdeck design, but was updated in the 60s to the then new technology of an angled flight deck, allowing aircraft to land and take off at the same time, and more safely to boot. When her career began, her pilots would have been flying Grumman Bearcats and Vought Corsairs – classic warbirds with huge radial piston engines and massive multi-bladed propellors. When she was decommissioned and turned into a
museum, seven months after the Iraq 1991 conflict in Kuwait, her air group consisted of fast jets like the Grumman F-14 Tomcat and McDonnell-Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. She has had, in other words, a long career distinguished by evolution. You can see where this is going. can’t you? Parked on the quayside next to the Midway, Dodge’s Challenger SRT8 396, in its bright orange paint with black stripes, looks barely any smaller. It is a classic American muscle car, almost self-consciously so, with lines and styling that are more or less a straight lift from the 1970 original. The SRT8 396 is the king of the Challenger hill. 396 cubic inches translates as 6.4-litres and that gives you 470bhp (which sounds like a rather paltry output for such an engine) and 637Nm of torque (which doesn’t). It’s a recipe that could only be American. Massive engine, lazy torque, 16-foot long and barely enough room to seat four. Another link with the Midway, then. Both have massive, flat flight-decks reaching out in front. It would be easy to dismiss the Challenger as a cartoon, a car with no relevance whatsoever for Europe or for the UK; a car for Sunset Boulevard, not for parking at the kerb in Streatham. And yet, that would be just wrong. There is something deeply significant about the Challenger. It is Sergio Marchionne’s personal favourite car from the entire Fiat Group empire and his weekend transport. Marchionne, CEO of Fiat and therefore also of Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep, carries more influence than most individuals when it comes to car-making in Europe, and if he loves his Challenger, then you’d have to assume that future Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Maserati models will bear some of its influence.
motoring special / feature
And that, I can tell you, would be no bad thing. The Challenger has its faults, which we’ll come to in a moment, but it is such a glorious thing, in and of itself, that it is impossible not to love and even to covet. OK, so that is a conclusion borne of driving it in its natural habitat; along the straight-lines of San Diego’s city streets and the wide spaces of Interstate 5 and Highway 101. All cars always feel better in their own homes. Still though, who could fail to be utterly charmed by that bluff shape, the wild paint scheme or the chesty burble coming from the exhaust pipes? Certainly, downtown San Diegoans were enthusiastic – I was actually at one point buttonholed by a bus driver, who stopped his own vehicle in the middle of cross-town traffic to voice his appreciation for the car. Once rolling, the first thing you notice is the Challenger’s sheer size, something that’s not helped by wayward steering that has a huge dead patch just off centre. It makes steering a consistent course in your lane a mixture of concentration and dumb luck, and it’s not helped by a chassis that feels softly-sprung and loosely damped, but with huge 20-inch wheels that clatter and thump over every undulation. This is all starting to look a bit bad for the Challenger. Worry not, you just have to give it some space and get everything hooked up properly. Third is the best gear, allowing you to lope along with slow-moving traffic, and then obliterate that traffic in a howl of inappropriate noise and blurry orangeness. Start to ask deeper questions of the Challenger’s dynamic makeup and it starts to answer back. It’s never what
you’d call sophisticated, but then think of a NASCAR race car; that’s as dumb as a brick compared to a tricked-out Formula One car, but hooked up on the banking at Daytona, a well-driven one would leave Sebastian Vettel for dead. Thus it is with the Challenger. Start to heed its moods and movements, and the two of you soon start to gel. The weight and bulk start to mentally shed and, soon, you’ve got a proper performance four-seat (just) coupé. I
in its R8 supercar (which will happen in the next couple of years) then why not a diesel muscle car? The existing VM Motori V6 3.0-litre would provide plenty enough motive grunt to make a Challenger SRT-D a compelling prospect, and Fiat already has a 400bhp twin-turbo version prepared for the new Maserati Ghibli saloon... Such a car could potentially be a cutprice rival to the likes of a BMW 6 Series or Jaguar XK. Too much of a minority market?
It’s a recipe that could only be American. Massive engine, lazy torque, 16 foot long and barely enough room to seat four don’t mind admitting that I fell in love, just a little. I can see why Sergio loves his. Hopefully, we’ll see more of the Challenger’s ilk. You can already buy a car in this country with the same chassis and suspension; the Chrysler 300C, which with its muscular VM Motori V6 Diesel engine does about as good a job of being a Euro-friendly lead-sled as you can imagine. Again, it’s a car with many faults relative to its mainstream European and Japanese opposition and yet still a car that I, personally, would own and drive in a heartbeat. But, a 6.4-litre engine, that I got a best average of 16mpg out of, when petrol costs £1.40 a litre (it’s the equivalent of about £0.65 a litre in San Diego *sigh*)? Well, that’s not going to happen, but if Audi can think of putting a big diesel engine
Perhaps not, if an appropriate level of chassis and cabin sophistication, and a bargain price tag, can be found. Or perhaps a bigger rubicon needs to be crossed. While gently burbling my way along 1st Avenue one afternoon, I was overtaken, silently, by a Tesla Model S. A sexy, low-slung saloon with BMW M5-bothering performance and a potential 400km range on one charge of its massive stack of batteries, perhaps it is this layout that presents a potential future for the muscle car, and a true gateway for American style in the UK. Just as the Midway’s successors turned away from oil-fired turbines and looked to atoms for their prodigious power, why not have a muscle car fired by electrons rather than hydrocarbons?
june 2013 THE CITY 47
Comfort
without compromise
This year, Porsche, Maserati and Aston Martin will once more do battle for supremacy in the highperformance four-door saloon market. All of these vehicles provide substantial amounts of luxury and comfort, but are their supercar credentials compromised? And can the sceptics finally be won over when it comes to style, asks Christopher Davies
E
ven though the aesthetics of these spacious supercars are an acquired taste, and it can be argued that this breed of vehicle sacrifices performance in favour of comfort, automakers know it’s an increasingly lucrative market. With this in mind, three of the biggest players are yet again introducing revised versions of their high-performance saloon cars. And, while personal opinion about the concept at large remains mixed, there’s no doubting that each of these vehicles provides an abundance of uncompromised power and grandeur which will guarantee their place on the market for years to come.
Aston Martin Rapide S
Price: TBC Engine: 6.0 litre V12 Transmission: Six-speed 0-62mph: 4.9 seconds Top Speed: 189 mph Fuel Economy: TBC
Replacing the outgoing Rapide, Aston Martin claims that this is ‘the world’s most beautiful four-door sports car’ and on first impressions, you’d struggle to argue with such a bold statement. Compared to its predecessor, the Rapide S looks like its been on a fitness regime, with a tighter, more poised body shape, while its gaping grille is another daring revelation that makes the front end look cleaner as a result. Underneath its aerodynamically revised form, Aston Martin’s VH architecture is ever-present. Coming in at just under two tonnes and with near perfect 48:52 front/rear weight distribution, it is clear the Rapide S has been built to go toe-to-toe with even the most nimble supercars. Aston Martin’s 6.0-litre V12 engine does away with turbochargers and direct injection in favour of raw power alone, meaning the Rapide S is capable of 62 mph in 4.9 seconds. With styling and performance meticulously taken care of, you would expect the same level of detail in the interior. In some respects, this is where the Rapide S comes into its own. Hand-crafted materials and an extremely high level of refinement ensure an unrivalled finish is achieved. The swooping centre console that runs seamlessly straight through to the back of the car is a particular highlight.
motoring special / feature
Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid One problem with the design of four-door supercars is that they look like an elongated, misshapen version of the vehicle they are based on. This was one of the main issues with Porsche’s initial Panamera; the front-end’s 911-inspired beauty was complemented with an out-of-proportion body and rather portly rear-quarter. Much like the Rapide S, the new Panamera looks like it has slimmed down with some tauter lines and more noticeable contours. Even if your mind is still fooled into thinking this should be a 911, it is easier to admire compared to the previous incarnation thanks a swept-back rear window that extends its appearance. One of the most significant aspects of Porsche’s new Panamera range is that one model will come with plug-in hybrid technology. Regardless of your opinion about electric vehicles, it is a trend that manufacturers are insistent on pursuing. Nevertheless, the Panamera S E-Hybrid’s fuel economy potential is impressive, promising 91 mpg and emissions of 71 g/km CO2. However, according to Porsche, a realistic all-electric driving range in everyday operation is somewhere between 11 and 12 miles, a somewhat laughable figure for a supposed grand tourer. The interior is a pleasing space, with a wide variety of trim options available. A cavalcade of buttons and switches facing the driver are fairly overwhelming at first and the dashboard’s boxy design has a decidedly retro feel to it.
Price: TBC Engine: 3.0 litre hybrid Transmission: Eightspeed auto RWD
0-62mph: 5.2 seconds Top Speed: 167 mph Fuel Economy: 91 mpg
Maserati Quattroporte Bringing some Italian flair to the party, the Maserati Quattroporte has been around in one guise or another for decades. However, this latest model is the lightest, biggest and most powerful four-door car the company has ever produced. The Quattroporte adopts a more traditional saloon shape but retains an understated beauty, which is commendable considering its large frame. From every angle the Quattroporte looks good, and you could easily catch yourself staring at the car’s subtle yet stunning exterior styling for hours on end. In spite of its muted elegance, the Quattroporte is no slouch, with a 3.8-litre twin turbo V8, the most hightech powertrain Maserati has ever produced. It even manages to set a best-in-class top speed of 191 mph, with 0-62 mph taking just 4.7 seconds. Behind the wheel, this luxurious saloon is one for the driving purist, with Maserati rejecting electric power steering in favour of a classic hydraulic system, the more responsive option. Maserati’s minimalist approach is continued on the interior, with the Quattroporte’s cabin the most welcoming environment out of the three reviewed. An uncomplicated and simplistic driving position is in stark contrast to the busy Panamera. Lashings of leather and fine materials would make any journey a pleasure.
Price: around £110,000 Engine: 3.8 litre V8 twin-turbo Transmission: Eightspeed auto RWD
0-62mph: 4.7 seconds Top Speed: 191 mph Fuel Economy: 23.9 mpg
june 2013 THE CITY 49
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08/04/2013 16:08:10
motoring special / feature Lewis Hamilton, for Mercedes AMG Petronas at the Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, 10-12 May 2013
on
the up?
After a barren few years where Button and Hamilton were the only Brits really flying the Union flag around the world’s great racing circuits, are things starting to change for British motor racing, asks Tom Sheen
T
he 2013 season has seen four British drivers, Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Paul di Resta and debutant Max Chilton line-up on the grid. And though (as of Race Four on 12 May), the British drivers haven’t enjoyed the season they may have been expecting, it is certainly encouraging to find this many British drivers on the track. The tide could yet turn for them. 2008 was the last time four Brits lined up on the grid together, in what was to be the last season of David Coulthard’s 14-year career, while Anthony Davidson’s Super Aguri team lasted just four races before folding. The year before that was the last time four Brits managed a full season, although Davidson failed to register a single point. Before the debut of Hamilton and the emergence of Button as a serious contender, other drivers came and went during a forgettable period in the early to
mid-2000s. Justin Wilson, though a talented driver, was too tall for most cars and managed just one full season where he collected one point; Allan McNish failed to collect a point in his single season and Eddie Irvine and Johnny Herbert were coming to the end of their careers by that time. The mid-90s was the last time that the British were a serious force in the sport, as the likes of Damon Hill and Nigel Mansell were consistently among the best, while Coulthard, Herbert and Martin Brundle were true Formula One class. And after the results of recent years it may be hard to believe, but British drivers and British engineering dominated the sport from the very start. Since Formula One was created in 1950, ten British drivers have won a total of 14 World Championships and 37 Constructors trophies have
june 2013 THE CITY 51
motoring special / feature Clockwise from far left: Jenson Button for McLaren in the pit at the Malaysian Grand Prix; Jenson Button for McLaren at the Bahrain International Circuit, 21 April 2013; Lewis Hamilton for Mercedes AMG Petronas; Lewis Hamilton at the Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona, 10-12 May 2013 for Mercedes AMG Petronas; Lewis Hamilton at Chinese Grand Prix, Shanghai, 12-14 April 2013 for Mercedes AMG Petronas.
been won by British teams, dwarfing the next nearest nation which is Italy with 19, thanks to Ferrari’s 15 titles. Names like Jackie Stewart, Jim Clark, Graham Hill and James Hunt ring through the ages, when motor racing was arguably as popular, and certainly much more glamorous, than football. But since 1977, when James Hunt won the only title of his career, only four British drivers – Nigel Mansell in 1992, Damon Hill in 1996, Lewis Hamilton in 2008 and Jenson Button in 2009 – have been among those 14 driving titles. Constructor dominance lasted a lot longer – between 1959 and 1999 just six titles were won by non-British manufacturers – but lately this trend has reversed as just two, Hamilton’s McLaren title in 2008 and Button’s Brawn title in 2009, were won by the British cars. The last three titles have been won by Sebastian Vettel’s Austrian Red Bull; how do the four Brits stack up against the German boy-wonder as he goes for his fourth successive title? Ominously, just five races into a 19-race season, Vettel looks again like the man to beat with two race wins (though one of these
new car and his new team, and avoids errors – such as the gaffe that saw him attempt to pit in the McLaren garage (old habits die hard) – Hamilton could still be among the title contenders come the end of the season. It has been a completely different story for his former teammate Jenson Button. Unlike Hamilton, Button is not a naturally quick driver and instead relies on his intelligence and wits to win races. He is an excellent driver in the worst conditions, and is brilliant at judging conditions, controlling his tyres and managing races, and a win on the final day of last season had many believing that Button and McLaren would pose a real threat to Red Bull’s hegemony. But this season McLaren has struggled with technical issues and pit problems, Button has struggled in qualifying and his season already looks over with just 17 points in the first five races with his highest finish just fifth. He briefly led in Malaysia before a disastrous pit stop, which saw his wheel come off as he drove away, cost him a lap and led him to finish in 17th place. With McLaren’s ongoing technical and speed issues, it looks like Button’s attempts to repeat his 2009 title are already over. Scotsman Paul di Resta has so far been the surprise of the 2013 season, and looks determined to show McLaren what they are missing after they decided to replace the departing Hamilton with Mexican Sergio Pérez. Di Resta was widely tipped to be the new No 2 driver at McLaren after an impressive debut season at Force India saw him finish 14th in the Drivers’ Championships. And based on the results of the first five races, McLaren bosses may be regretting not signing the man from West Lothian as he sits in eighth place in the Drivers Championships (26 points) ahead of both Button (17)and Pérez (12). He has driven excellently this season, overcoming some average qualifying to finish eighth twice, seventh in the last race and equalled a career-high fourth place finish in Bahrain. Di Resta won’t bother the top spots, but a top ten finish is looking more and more like a certainty, with his two aims for the rest of this season to finally get on the podium and finish ahead of the McLaren team. Finally, debutant Max Chilton will be bringing up the rear in the Marussia. The son of Aon Corporation vice-chairman Grahame, who is reportedly worth more than £100 million, Max secured his seat after raising £9.5 million in sponsorship money. He was previously a test driver for Force India and spent last season in GP2 where he finished fourth overall, winning two of his final four races. He has so far not finished higher than 16th (out of 22 drivers), while his best qualifying session put him 19th on the starting grid. Of the seven drivers to have 0 points so far, the others have all finished in the top 15 at least once, meaning Chilton props up the rest of Formula One at the bottom of the standings. On this season’s evidence so far, perhaps we are not yet returning to a golden age of British motorsport.
Names like Jackie Stewart, Jim Clark, Graham Hill and James Hunt ring through the ages, when motor racing was arguably as popular, and certainly much more glamorous, than football came amid huge controversy with his team-mate Mark Webber), one podium and two pole positions as he sits at the top of the drivers’ standings with 89 points. The Red Bull has, so far, completely blown the other cars out of the water with its pace. Hamilton, as everyone with even a passing interest in the sport will know, finally left British manufacturer McLaren after 13 years as a driver there, joining German team Mercedes. The 28-year-old looks the best bet of the four British drivers to challenge Vettel’s dominance – through five races he is fourth in the standings – though the 49 points already looks like it may be too much of a gap to bridge. Along with Vettel and Ferrari’s Spanish driver Fernando Alonso, Hamilton is widely touted as being among the quickest drivers in the sport, and in the 2012 season he qualified on pole position seven times, more than any other driver. Last season, beset by technical troubles in the McLaren car, as well as some rash decision-making and over-aggressive driving, Hamilton only won four races and actually retired from five races as he finished fourth in the standings, 89 points below Vettel. This, among a number of other factors including disputes over pay and the future direction of the team, caused the big split. He has already had one pole position this season, and two third place finishes, but a 12th place finish in Spain really dented his title chances. However, as Hamilton gets further in tune with his
june 2013 THE CITY 53
Alfa Male It’s one of motorsports’ most prestigious names, with a narrative that stretches back over 100 years. Ahead of the launch of the brand’s 4C later this year, Richard Brown speaks to head of Alfa Romeo EMEA, Louis-Carl Vignon
F
ounded in June 1910 and involved in motorracing from the very next year, Alfa Romeo was a brand quick to garner a reputation as a purveyor of high-performing, highly-prized sports automobiles. Over the ensuing decades, an image of sport meets style was established, as Alfa competed both as a constructor and an engine supplier across Grand Prix, rally and touring car racing. Following dwindling sales and turmoil on the financial markets, Alfa Romeo was taken over by the Fiat Group in November 1986. As the brand prepares to re-enter the American market with the 4C later this year, I spoke to head of Alfa Romeo EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Asia), who, after stints at Ford, Saab, General Motors and Seat, joined the company in August 2012.
REports suggest that Alfa Romeo plans to triple its global sales by 2016. How? The Alfa Romeo 4C is the first step of a new era for Alfa Romeo. As ambassador it will support the opening of new markets while paving the way for the arrival of future products which will compete globally in legitimate premium segments for Alfa Romeo. This new range will then be completed by the new generation of successful models such as the MiTo and Giulietta.
What targets have you set yourself as Head of Alfa Romeo EMEA? Alfa Romeo is one of the pillars of the [Fiat] Group for the future. The new products, the expansion of the footprint in new continents, but also the opening of new countries and new regions in EMEA, as we have just done in the Middle East
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in January this year. This is a brand with a huge number of fans, a brand for true car lovers. As such, they deserve passionate treatment. The same unique blend they find in the Alfa Romeo product, they have to find it in the retail experience, in the services we offer them. This is something we have to build together with our dealer network. Fans can stay with you for life, but you cannot deceive them.
What does the 4C mean to Alfa Romeo as a brand? The Alfa Romeo 4C is a pure and modern reinterpretation of the Alfa Romeo DNA. The unique carbon monocoque and the brand new 1750 cc all-aluminium substantiate the advanced technology that’s gone into the car. The weight to power ratio of <4kg/hp, the lightness efficiency, the central engine and rear-wheel-drive all highlight the car’s dynamism. The race mode and launch control function represent the spirit and, last but not least, the car’s unique design combines beauty and style with aerodynamic function.
How confident are you of the car’s success? Since the Alfa Romeo 4C was first presented, we have won five international awards across Europe – just yesterday we won ‘Best Sports Car 2013’ in Spain. All these rewards are the best confirmation that we are on the right way.
The 4C follows the footsteps of the 8C and 6C. Does their success put pressure on the 4C to be a winner? The 4C is designed and built to have an exceptional power to weight ratio: to be a genuine supercar. At less than 4 kg/hp, the 4C is defined by essentiality and technology – a car on which everything is designed for full driving excitement. Just as the 8C and the 6C were unique, the 4C is a unique compact supercar.
How important is environmental sustainability to Alfa Romeo? One of the core values of our brand is ‘efficiency’. Sports cars with low displacement engines is part of the Alfa Romeo heritage. The 4C guarantees high performance with reduced size and weight thanks to a new 4 cylinder 1750 turbo petrol engine made entirely in aluminium.
IN Which market do you expect the car to excel? As brand ambassador, the 4C will play a crucial role in the ‘new markets’. However, in terms of immediate impact on sales, the role of the 4C as a communication vector will make it equally important in the brand’s traditional countries such as Western Europe. We expect the 4C to perform extremely well in countries where we find a lot of people passionate about cars, such as the UK.
Why re-launch in America with this particular car? The Alfa Romeo 4C is all about technology, lightness and efficiency, dynamism, style and spirit. We have not been in the US for 20 years but the brand is still very present in the heart of many passionate ‘Alfistis’. For them, and those who know the brand, the 4C is the authentic reincarnation of Alfa Romeo’s value and spirit without any compromise. For those who are new to Alfa Romeo, it will clearly demonstrate what the the brand stands for.
what have been the highlights of the development of the 4c? Working with a motivated and dedicated team for a passionate and iconic brand.
What can we expect from Alfa Romeo in the next five years? Keeping the dream alive alfaromeo.co.uk
june 2013 THE CITY 55
Swiss movement, English heart
Made in Switzerland / Sellita SW200-1 self-winding movement / 38 hour power reserve / 42mm marine-grade 316L stainless steel case / Water resistant to 300 metres / 4mm anti-reflective sapphire crystal / Unique engraved serial number / Italian leather deployment strap
143_ChristopherWard_City.indd 1
10/05/2013 08:50
collection
REPORT
A World of
wonder
Richard Brown reports from Baselworld 2013, the world’s largest annual fine jewellery and watch exhibition
I
t’s the watch and jewellery world’s answer to Fashion Week and it was back this year to celebrate its 41st birthday amid record numbers of visitors. Over an eight day period at the end of April, in a town usually better known for its pharmaceutical industry than its perpetual calendar chronographs, Baselworld presented the collections, creations and innovations that had been keeping the sector busy over the previous 12 months. Returning with a newly-built complex hall of biblical proportions, more than 1,000 new stands and buyers from
over 100 countries from around the globe, 2013’s show was an extravagant indication, if evidence were needed, of the flourishing state of the industries involved. International brands, from Bulgari and Boucheron to Rolex and Rado, were all accounted for, showcasing their latest inventions from inside often colossal Baselworld embodiments of their flagship boutiques. The City Magazine was among the 3,600 media invited to attend and we were impressed by both the range and standard of products on offer. Turn the page to discover more about the creations we considered our favourites.
Blue is the Colour Noteworthy, colour-wise, at Baselworld 2012 and among the prevailing whites and blacks, was the frequent use of royal blue on both faces and straps. This year the trend was even more manifest with varying degrees of blue being the colour of choice for myriad brands. Away from Rolex’s Cosmograph Daytona in platinum (our One To Watch this month,) our other azure-shaded favourites included Hermès’ navy Arceau Chrono Colors (£4,350), Glashütte Original’s Midnight Blue Senator Sixties Panorama Date (£3,500) and Patek Philippe’s Gondolo 8 Days, Day & Date Ref. 5200 (£39,960).
Baselworld
2013
The Watches
In April we visited the world’s largest watch fair. Amid the classic and the contemporary, the refined and the sublime, these were the timepieces that most caught our eye, reports Richard Brown
A Constant Force You may not be aware of the countless components that go into making a mechanical wristwatch but know this; of the ones that do, the escapement is probably the most important. Responsible for transferring the power to the instrument that keeps the watch ticking, it effectively controls how accurately your timekeeper keeps time. It’s exciting, then, when a brand announces that it has just reimagined the escapement in a way that will revolutionise the way watches are made forever. After five years of R & D, Girard-Perregaux did just that. The company’s Constant Escapement uses an extremely thin blade (1/6th of a human hair) to store energy and deliver near constant force to where it’s needed (see GP’s website for an explanation as to how). The movement takes its place in a comfortable round 48mm diameter case in white gold with a curved case band. Featuring a hand-sewn alligator strap and folding clasp, the model will be offered in Girard-Perregaux’s Haute Horlogerie collection for £98,000 (excluding tax), exclusively at Harrods.
collection
Mesmerising Appeal Several years ago Maurice Lacroix set forth with the aim of creating the most innovative way of measuring time. Following in the footsteps of the unconventional Roue Carrée, 2013 saw the Masterpiece Seconde Mystérieuse (£10,500) become the product of that ambition. While the watch’s skeletonisation and off-centred hours impress, it is the piece’s perplexing seconds’ indicator that really draws the eye. Driven by the ML215 calibre – a new Maurice Lacroix movement and the 12th to be entirely developed in-house – the hand marks out a linear reading of the seconds, in alternating horizontal and vertical 15-second cycles. Turning on its axis, as though in full levitation, the hand produces a mesmerising optical illusion. The Masterpiece Seconde Mystérieuse is available in two limited series of 125 pieces each. We don’t expect them to remain on the market for long.
The Music Machine by MB&F
Away from the largest of brands, in a hall aptly named the Palace, the impatient eyes of a group of expectant journalists fell upon a black box on the centre of a table. What had MB&F, a company dedicated to creating the most radical of horological masterpieces, brought to the show? As the box was lifted, the answer was revealed in the shape of a, err, music box. Well, a ‘Music Machine’ to be precise. Encircled by the most inventive of timepieces from the most daring of brands, you’d think it would have been a bit like bringing a water pistol to a gun fight. And that may have been the case, had this not been MB&F. With its dual propellers and twin silver cylinders mounted on sleek ‘landing gear’, 33 in white, 33 in black, the collaboration with Reuge, the premier manufacturer of music boxes on the planet, looked more spaceship than music device. Inspiring to look at, beautiful to listen to, like everything else in the Palace of Dreams, the Music Machine was out of this world. Prepare to depart with just shy of £8,500 should you want one.
toe to toe Into the deep
Vs
Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe £7,330, Blancpain
Oyster Perpetual GMT Master II 904L Steel, £5,950, Rolex
Take to the skies
BR-01-92 Airspeed, £3,200 Bell & Ross
Vs
Montre D’Aeronef Type 20 Annual Calendar, £7,300, Zenith
Race against time
Vs
Admiral’s Cup AC-One 45 £6,825 Corum
Bentley B04 GMT £8,210, Breitling
june 2013 THE CITY 59
Good Things, Small Packages Every watch brand has a particular ‘thing’. Breitling’s is aviation. Zenith’s is precision. What Piaget specialises in is the field of ultra-thin movements, so it’s no surprise, then, that its latest creation sets not one but two records in that category. Laying claim to being the world’s thinnest mechanical selfwinding watch (9.4 mm) and boasting the world’s thinnest minute repeater movement (4.8 mm), the Emperador Coussin Ultra-Thin Minute Repeater comes courtesy of a brand that has created no less than 35 in-house movements in just 14 years. Of course, world records come at a price; the 18-karat pink gold watch will separate you from £200,000. piaget.com
Golden A Very British Opportunity
Partnership
Away from Baselworld’s main halls, British brand Bremont announced it will be teaming up with the Bletchley Park Trust to produce a limited edition timepiece. Called the Codebreaker and inspired by a classic 40s officer’s watch, the piece will be made with a unique flyback chronograph GMT automatic movement and will incorporate historical artefacts from Bletchley Park, including pine from the iconic Hut 6 and paper from one of the few remaining punch cards. Part of the rotor of the watch will be made from the wheel of an original Enigma machine. 240 steel Codebreakers will be made and 50 in rose gold. Bremont Boutique, 29 South Audley Street bremont.com
Regatta Ready
watches For treasured timepieces, horological heirlooms and modern masterpieces, watch this space...
One to Watch Each month we select our timepiece of the moment from the watch world’s most exciting pieces
Originally designed to meet the timing needs of professional racing drivers in 1963, the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona is now one of the most iconic timepieces a watch aficionado can own Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona 40mm, £50,100, Rolex Watches of Switzerland, 29 Old Bond Street
Unveiled to the watch world at SIHH in January, the three watches that make up Panerai’s 2013 collection have now arrived in the UK. The pieces feature the company’s new in-house flyback chronograph calibre P.9100 and a new Radiomir 1940 case, inspired by the Radiomir of the 1940s. Of the three, with its regatta countdown function, which is displayed via an overlaid orange hand, the Luminor 1950 Regatta 3 Days Chrono Flyback Titanio is perhaps the most striking (£11,800). It’s certainly our favourite. panerai.com
collection
Golden Opportunity The Goldsmiths’ Pavilion is set to return this June
The Jazz Age
to Somerset House and will see 114 jewellery designers
As the pre-eminent jeweller in New York during the 20s,
showcasing pieces. This is
Tiffany & Co. was the likely choice for Baz Luhrmann’s
a rare opportunity for visitors
The Great Gatsby, bejewelling Carey Mulligan and Isla
not only to get up close and
Fisher in legendary Tiffany diamonds and cascading
personal with the jewellery on
pearls. To coincide with the film’s release, the jewellery
display but also with the
house has brought out two lines of Art Deco-inspired
skilled craftsmen who
jewellery: the Ziegfeld and Great Gatsby Collections.
often remain behind
Continuing in this celebration of the Jazz Age, Tiffany &
the scenes. The fine
Co. has also released its annual Blue Book inspired by
jewellers displaying their
the jewellery of the era. The unveiling of the collection
work include Chelsea-
took place last month at the Blue Book Ball in New York
based designer Lily
and 20 of the jewels within the collection were worn
Hastedt, Sarah Herriot, Ingo
by the actors in the film. These pieces therefore most
Henn and Ute Decker,
poignantly refer to this period of American glamour, in
among others.
particular the Savoy Headpiece. Other statement pieces
26-29 June
include the Tiffany green tsavorite and diamond ring and
thegoldsmiths.co.uk
the spectacular corsage suite with diamond flowers. Tiffany & Co., 9 The Courtyard, Royal Exchange; tiffany.co.uk
jewellery Jewels, gems, pearls and diamonds; the essential components of any lady’s jewellery collection
Cutting Edge London Jewellery Week (LJW) exhibitor Fei Liu has been creating a stir on the international fine jewellery scene ever since he launched his eponymous label in 2006. The designer returns this year to LJW to present his latest collection of BESPOKE pieces
“The chance to rework a piece of Chinese history into a contemporary setting is what inspired many of my BESPOKE designs. Working with antiques is a challenge and a joy, as I am able to take tradition and combine it with technology.”
London Jewellery Week 2013 While we can’t put it on a par with Baselworld, the world’s largest watch and jewellery convention held a month ago, London Jewellery Week is a highly regarded event within the industry. The UK’s biggest and brightest jewellery festival, now in its sixth year, sees newcomers mix with established designers and, packed full of shows and exclusive launches, it is open to everyone. While most of the excitement takes place under the roof of Somerset House, glittering celebrations shall also be taking place across the capital, including treasure trails in Greenwich, shop window displays in Mayfair and pop-up venues in North London. London Jewellery Week, 7-16 June jewelleryweek.com
From top: Asclepias Hero earrings in platinum with diamonds; Rock crystal cuff made with hand-carved rock crystal, platinum and diamonds. Both from the BESPOKE collection, feiliu.co.uk
june 2013 THE CITY 61
Baselworld
2013
best of basel jewellery From floral blooms and lush greens to whimsical creatures and pop-colour gemstones, jewellers reawakened the halls of Baselworld this year with their fresh and summery collections, says Olivia Sharpe
Nipped in the Bud Flowers bloomed bold and beautiful as jewellers championed S/S13’s top fashion trend: florals. While Mikimoto and Schreiner Fine Jewellery went for the full bouquet, Chopard opted for a single, striking 3D-effect poppy ring from the Red Carpet collection. Gucci reworked the label’s historic flora pattern in solid silver to create its latest jewellery collection. This year saw Garrard unveil its Tudor Rose collection for the very first time and the reinterpretation of the heraldic emblem of England, presented in 30 different pieces, is a testament to Garrard’s historic legacy as one of Britain’s oldest jewellers. But no matter how the flower was presented by designers, the end result was the same: feminine, beautiful and delicate. What better way to herald the power of the flower than through exquisite fine jewellery? Top right: Poppy ring from the Red Carpet Collection 2013, POA, Chopard (chopard.com) Left: floral bouquet earrings, £3,700, and pendant, £4,400, Mikimoto (mikimoto.co.uk)
Cutting Edge:
Year of the Snake
2013 marks the year of the snake so a number of jewellers took the opportunity to pay tribute. Boucheron did itself proud with its new Serpent Bohème collection (reintroduced from the company’s archives) but it was Italian luxury goods house Bulgari that stole the show. The Swarovski by Shourouk gilded snake has been an emblem of the company for more than 70 years, First presented in Toronto at the launch of its expressed in jewellery, watches and accessories. At Basel, Bulgari honoured Fall 2013 Secret Treasures, Swarovski decided to the iconic Serpenti collection and the Tubogas jewellery technique with its bring its new capsule collection with fashion incredible architectural statement: the outer façade of the stand had been reincarnated jewellery brand Shourouk to Basel, much to the as a snake shrine with the scale-clad metal walkway resembling a 82-metre-long serpent delight of fashionista visitors. From statement winding up the building, a sight which caused many breaths to be drawn. The deadly theme earrings to crystal bib necklaces and neon continued inside with pieces from the Serpenti collection on display. Whether as a symbol of sin, love, protection or rebirth, the snake has been immortalised in the world of fine jewellery. bracelets, the accessible new range is one to watch for S/S13.
our pick of... Ladies’ watches
Fashion houses proved they could keep up with the mastery of the Swiss watchmakers From left: Interlocking G collection, from £625, Gucci Timepieces (guccitimeless.com); Dior VIII Grand Bal Plume timepiece, £45,900, Dior (dior.com); Catene timepiece, POA, Bulgari (bulgari.com); Arceau lipstick timepiece in stainless steel 32mm, £2,600, Hermès (hermes.com)
collection
True Colours The halls were a riot of colour as designers experimented with new and explosive coloured diamonds. Brumani welcomed us into summer with a vibrant mix of colourful creations, incorporating yellow, pink and white gold with yellow and orange sapphires, not to mention white and brown diamonds, and De Grisogono’s Melody of Colours didn’t disappoint with its vivid blend of coloured stones. If you headed down Colour Diamond Row, you’d have been blinded by the window displays of Julius Klein, Andre Messika and Antwerp Coloured Gems, as each company had brought with them an assortment of rare fancy colour diamonds. However, one particular shade stood out from the rest and that was green. The “colour of the year 2013” (so heralded by the Pantone Colour Institute) manifested itself most commonly through the emerald, although tourmalines, tsavorites and peridots also had a presence. Fabergé’s Les Danses Fantasques collection includes the La Esmeralda suite featuring cabochon emerald beads and pear-shaped drops, and De Grisogono’s sugar watch (part of the new women’s timepiece collection) welcomed the arrival of spring with its countless number of emeralds; the dial alone has more than 220 green stones. Universal and appealing, the lush colour gave a fresh lease of life to jewellery collections. Top right: La Esmeralda necklace and La Esmeralda ring, POA, Fabergé, faberge.com; Left: Sugar watch, POA, De Grisogono, degrisogono.com
The Merchant of Venice It’s often the case that when artists draw on their own experiences their best work comes about. We believe the same principle applies to jewellery designers, and if you’d seen Marco Bicego’s latest collection launched at Basel, you would agree. The Murano collection has been inspired by the colours and artisanship of the small Venetian island of Burano, a place that has forever been close to the designer’s heart. Murano bracelet, £4,270 and earrings, £1,270 Marco Bicego (harrods.com)
Batmoth ring from Fly by Night collection, Stephen Webster (stephenwebster.com)
Cyprus ring, POA Boucheron 164 New Bond Street
All Creatures Great and Small Many designers caused smiles to break out with their playful and humorous selection of animal figurines on display at the convention. From Boucheron’s charming Tortoise and Pink Flamingo rings in rose gold and quartz to dark knight Stephen Webster’s creatures of the night, these jewellers are living life on the Wings 10th anniversary pendant, £20,000 wild side. Garrard (garrard.com)
Flamingo ring £17,400, Boucheron 164 New Bond Street
3 of the best... Showstoppers
Make a statement this summer with these spectacularly decadent diamond pieces From left: Diamond Necklace from the Red Carpet Collection 2013, from a selection, Chopard, chopard.com; Tudor Rose Suite, POA, Garrard, garrard.com; Manchettes Lignes, POA, Messika, messika-joaillerie.com
june 2013 THE CITY 63
Canary Wharf
bars & restaurants • fashion & style • arts & events canarywharf.com
3 hours
free parking
at weekends and bank holidays when you spend £10 at Canary wharf terms and Conditions apply.
@yourcanarywharf
SHOPPING
celebrate Father’s day at canary wharf
this year’s Father’s Day coincides with the Canary Wharf Motorexpo, meaning there’s only one place to be come 16 June. Bare witness to the world’s most impressive motoring machines in some of the capital’s most dynamic surroundings Canary wharf Motorexpo 2013 The world’s largest free-to-visit motoring event returns to Canary Wharf this June. Set to be the most important event in Canary Wharf’s Motorexpo history, this year gives you the perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day. Transforming the global business location with displays of the latest vehicles from the world’s leading automotive makers, expect the likes of Lamborghini, Maserati, Ferrari and Aston Martin, amongst others, all to be in attendance. Don’t miss the opportunity to book your test drive during the show. For details visit www.motorexpo.com, look out for the Drive Me signs or pick up your free copy of The Motorexpo Directory 2013 on arrival. Canary Wharf is accessible via the Jubilee Line and Docklands Light Railway. At weekends and Bank Holidays you can enjoy 3 hours’ free parking in any of the public car parks when you spend £10 at any shop, café, bar or restaurant. Canary Wharf Motorexpo, 10 - 16 June. Free
Treat your father to lunch at BOISDALE OF CANARY WHARF Serving the finest dry aged Scottish steak alongside the very best in jazz, blues and soul via live music events, Boisdale of Canary Wharf is the ideal place to take your dad come Father’s Day. Head to the restaurant on 16 June and enjoy a flute of sparkling Chateau de Sours Rosé, a three course lunch featuring traditional Sunday roast including Aberdeenshire dry-aged roast rib of beef with goose fat roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding and a gift for dad to take home for £42.50 per person. There is also a walk-in humidor and 12 metre long whisky bar to take advantage of. Boisdale of Canary Wharf, Cabot Square 020 7715 5818, www.boisdale.co.uk
www.canarywharf.com
@yourcanarywharf
SHOPPING Open weave silk dot pocket square, £45, Thomas Pink, Cabot Place
The shaving kit, £195, Molton Brown, Jubilee Place ‘Dots blue V’ I phone 5 cover, £28, Hugo Boss, Cabot Place After shave balm & moisturizer, £17.50, Kiehl’s since 1851, Jubilee Place Breton stripe rugby shirt, £95, Gant, Canada Place
Classic hip flask, £65, Aquascutum, Cabot Place
Good LeGrand Ballpoint pen, £280, MontBlanc, Canada Place
Burma canvas Bag, £175, Reiss, Jubilee Place Navy Mogador stripe tie, £95, Alfred Dunhill, Cabot Place
Multi block cufflinks, £60, Hackett, Cabot Place
Gifts for him treat your father to the best in fashion, gadgets and grooming courtesy of Canary Wharf Tartan check Linen shirt, £195, Alfred Dunhill, Cabot Place
Earset 3i, £149, Bang & Olufsen, South Colonnade
Bridge set in Leather Case, £135, Aspinal of London, Cabot Place
Stratford suede shoe, £195, Church’s, Cabot Place Zenith Striking 10th, £6,995, Charles Fish, Cabot Place
arts & events
just for june AS SUMMER STARTS TO ARRIVE IN CANARY WHARF, A PLETHORA OF EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES GIVEs YOU THE PERFECT EXCUSE TO ENJOY THE LONG SEASONAL EVENINGS INCLUDING SPORTS, LUNCH MARKET, A WHOLE HOST OF ART AND, OF COURSE, THE MOTOREXPO
The Pearl Izumi Tour Series at Canary Wharf Round 8 presented by Cyclist Magazine
The world class cycling competition, The Pearl Izumi Tour Series, takes centre stage at Canary Wharf as some of Britain’s top cyclists compete to be crowned the best team in the UK. Look out for Olympic champion, Ed Clancy in team Rapha Condor JLT, Ross Edgar in Team IG – Sigma Sport and Tour Series race winners Dean Downing & Ian Bibby. The Cyclist Magazine Canary Wharf Corporate Grand Prix starts the evening’s action at 6pm.
CANARY WHARF PRESENTS S/S 13 COLLECTION
Join us for the return of Canary Wharf’s annual summer shopping event. With discounts of up to 20% available in many of Canary Wharf’s leading fashion stores this is the perfect opportunity to refresh your holiday wardrobe! Fashion shows in Canada Place and Jubilee Place will showcase the season’s latest trends and maverick pianist, Tokio Myers will be performing in Canada Place and Jubilee Place on Saturday. Saturday 1 June 10am – 6pm Throughout Shopping Malls
FREE
Thursday 6 June From 6pm Throughout Canary Wharf FREE
MOTOREXPO 2013 See our essential guide on page 27. Monday 10 – Sunday 16 June Monday – Saturday 10am – 6pm Sunday 11am – 5pm Throughout Canary Wharf FREE
CHILDREN’S THEATRE FESTIVAL
A summer celebration at Canary Wharf of free outdoor family performances especially designed for children, but for all to enjoy together. Grab yourself a picnic from Waitrose Food, Fashion & Home in Canada Place Mall or Carluccio’s at Reuters Plaza, and have a pleasant and enjoyable afternoon in Jubilee Park each Sunday. Why not make a day of it and have dinner in one of Canary Wharf’s child-friendly restaurants like Jamie’s Italian in Churchill Place Mall; Gourmet Burger Kitchen or Wildwood in Jubilee Place Mall or Pizza Express in Canada Place Mall. Sunday 30 June 1.30pm & 3pm Sunday 7 July 1.30pm & 4pm Sunday 14 July 2-4pm Sunday 21 July 2-3pm Sunday 28 July 2-3pm Jubilee Park FREE
Window Galleries The Art & Design galleries in Canada Place are free, open daily and showcase up-and-coming artists, designers and craftspeople. The artists on display until the 28 June are:
Myia Bonner
Creating intricate and geometric wearable objects Myia balances the classic style of the past with the fashionable substance of the present, playing with the themes of tradition and value. myiabonner.com Jubilee Walk
DANCING CITY
Exhilarating, thought-provoking and fun – Canary Wharf’s Dancing City is back, bigger and better as Greenwich+Docklands International Festival’s presents its annual outdoor dance extravaganza. Let Dancing City take you on a journey across Canary Wharf’s parks, open spaces and waterfronts where you’ll encounter bite sized al fresco dance treats throughout the week and an afternoon full of performances on Saturday. Marvel at Sufi whirling dervish choreography, delight at urban moves from France, be amazed at Candoco’s contemporary dance and wonder at the English National Ballet.
Valery Koroshilov
Visit festival.org or canarywharf.com for specific performance times and locations Monday 24 - Friday 28 June 12pm & 1.30pm Saturday 29 June 1-5pm Throughout Canary Wharf FREE
koroshilov.com Canada Walk
For more information visit canarywharf.com
Valery is renowned for paintings that are distinguished by their bright palette, laconic imagery and flat areas of strong colour.
@yourcanarywharf
CONTESSA To own a rare Argyle pink diamond is to own a truly magnificent heirloom. Contessa, beautifully handcrafted in Platinum and 18ct Rose Gold, features an exquisite combination of stunning craftsmanship and the rarest of Australian Argyle pink diamonds. Simply, they are the rarest diamonds in the world and are revered for their unique provenance and intrinsic beauty.
UNITED KINGDOM The Royal Arcade, Old Bond St, Mayfair London W1S 4SW AUSTRALIA Sydney Gold Coast calleija.com
Calleija-CountryTownUK-298x225mm_v1.indd 1
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style
REPORT
feathers
OR FASCINATORs?
Erica Musango looks forward to seeing the latest hat designs debuting at this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s MINT Polo in the Park
A
s well as showcasing some compelling examples from the glorious game of polo, MINT Polo in the Park, which runs from 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9 June, has become a fashion parade for the great and glamorous. A dazzling sporting event, coupled with the latest in designer fashion, this is the place to see and be seen. Apart from a sparkling glass of Champagne, there is perhaps no better accessory than a hat at a polo match â&#x20AC;&#x201C; think directional architectural designs set off by dramatic effects, jaunty angles and flusters of feathers.
And is there no better way to make a statement than with a hat from Jane Taylor Millinery. Elegant, practical, and saving you from sun exposure without compromising your style, Taylor is renowned for her heritage-inspired artisan headpieces and has recently launched a summer collection of elegant panamas, as well as multi-tiered fascinators, just in time for MINT Polo In The Park. With the event likely to attract the most cutting-edge and elegant from the world of the well-dressed, all eyes will be looking for those making the biggest fashion statement. polointheparklondon.com, janetaylormillinery.com
Dr Dermatologist After travelling to the tropics of South East Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America researching local medicines, Dr Simon Jackson discovered that, perhaps unbeknown to the Western world, native herbal medicines carried the secret to perfect skin. He decided to use his vast knowledge of indigenous tropical plants to select the most effective natural ingredients for the inclusion in a unique skincare line. Dr Jackson products bestow creative cosmeceutical intelligence to the grooming market with their unique utilisation of nature’s best resources. drjackson.co.uk
Anniversary Aviators Shades with sweat bars exude the power and authority of the sheriffs with which they have long been associated. Now the classic 80s sunglasses have been revived by Italian brand Police to commemorate the label’s 30th birthday. The special-edition eyewear range employs unique detailing, rejuvenating Police’s signature aviator style with an exclusive gold-plated frame and leather details. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the Doctors without Borders charity. policelifestyle.com
style: hIM
This season’s most wearable trends for the stylish man about town
Totally terrific totes
Canadian brand Want Les Essentiels De la Vie may have an arduously difficult name but they also have the style insight that most accessories brands can only wish for. Owned by twin brothers, the leather goods brand prides itself on its sophistication and a one-of-a-kind design concept. We’ll be stepping into the wild side with their new line of totes which boast a range of trailblazing tribal patterns, perfect for the summer season and those long weekends away. liberty.co.uk
news
Metallic magic
We Brits hold our heritage brands in such high-esteem that when they are given a new lease of life we can feel apprehensive as to whether it will tarnish our much-loved fashions. Burberry has recently eschewed its traditional print, stepping into a more iridescent limelight with the Prorsum collection. Christopher Bailey has produced his most stylish collection yet, pushing men to step forward into a more futuristic glossy alternative to plainer design styles. For the fearless we recommend the neon-coloured trench – guaranteed to add a unique finesse to your outfit. mrporter.com
Grecian Gods Ancient Greece recalls the mythological Greek gods perched on Mount Olympus and the brave gladiators who wrestled lions in the arenas. One recurring staple from that era are the hero figures’ fashionable footwear, reinvented two millenia later by Ancient Greek Sandals’ new menswear line. ancient-greek-sandals.com
Acne Autumn It may seem a little premature to dig out your winter wardrobe, but with our unpredictable British weather it’s always best to be safe than sorry. Acne’s new autumn collection features the best transitional pieces which incorporate the practicality of the colder autumn season while exuding the provocative edge of this season’s summer style trends. The collection is inspired by August Strindberg’s self-portraits and, just like his controversial paintings, Acne’s clothes aim to defy conformity – injecting the sartorial clothes of this season with the enigmatic simplicity the brand is renowned for. acnestudios.com
Gentlemen’s grooming If, like us, you deem shaving an agonising chore, then I’m sure you were thankful when growing out a grizzly beard became a trend during this year’s awards season. Unfortunately, like most Holly-weird fads it quickly fizzled out, leaving many disgruntled followers (us) reaching for their cobwebbed razors. Shaving, however, doesn’t necessarily have to be torturous, especially when you’re using good grooming utensils. The Penhaligon’s brand produces the most decadent shaving sets unique in both purpose and design. The Nickelson set is luxuriously hand-finished, featuring a streamlined razor with a Gillette Mach3 blade and a shaving brush made from silky-smooth badger hair. penhaligons.com
june 2013 THE CITY 73
out of office Inspired by spring fashion and less-than-seasonal weather, team jackets and shirts with more casual attire for effortless style Stylist: Francesca Barrow Photographer: Odi Caspi
XXXXXX
Double-breasted Dinner Suit, ÂŁ1,138, John Varvatos, matchesfashion.com Shirt, POA, Ralph Lauren, ralphlauren.com V8 Vantage Roadster, POA, Aston Martin, astonmartin.com
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Jacket, Trousers, Shirt, POA, all Ralph Lauren, ralphlauren.com ‘Merho’ shoes, £550, Manolo Blahnik Opposite: Jacket, POA, Richard James, richardjames.co.uk Trousers, POA, Ralph Lauren, as before ‘Eric’ shoes, £600, Manolo Blahnik, manoloblahnik.com
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Wool Broadcloth Double-breasted Blazer, £1,950, Cotton shirt, £330, Wool broadcloth pleated pants, £450, all Dior Homme, dior.com ‘Mejorelle’ shoes, £600, Manolo Blahnik Opposite: Blazer, £788, John Varvatos, matchesfashion.com Shirt, POA, Ralph Lauren as before Panama Silk Tie, £115, Dior Homme as before Trousers (as a suit set, as above), £1,138, John Varvatos, matchesfashion.com, V8 Vantage Roadster, POA, Aston Martin, astonmartin.com Creative Director: Francesca Barrow at faconner.co.uk Hair Stylist: Takanori Yamaguchi using Bumble and Bumble Make-up Artist: Carla Levy at carlalevy.co.uk Location: Morton’s Club, 28 Berkeley Square, W1J 6EN 020 7495 3160, mortonsclub.com Car courtesy of Aston Martin, astonmartin.com
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news
Aristocratic aesthetics The arrival of June means we can finally push dreary winter fashions to the back of our closets to make way for stylish summer pieces. Carven’s new summer collection captivates an exquisite bygone era, taking inspiration from the seductive heritage fashion of aristocrats. The intrinsically patterned dresses are hedonistically edgy, albeit in an elegant way; the colours used are sensual and seductive with a sweet hue that we can’t help but love. carven.com
Step stylishly into summer Nobody does shoe designs quite like the Italians and famed designer Gianvotti Rossi has pushed the fashion envelope with his unique new summer collection. The chic feminine shoe designs work to accentuate our womanly silhouette, doubling as our must-have statement accessory. net-a-porter.com
style: her This season’s most wearable trends for the chicest woman about town
Graphic goddess Mary Katrantzou has finally launched her highly anticipated clutch bag collection. Renowned for her one-of-a-kind print designs, Katrantzou is the undisputed leader of the fashion pack, so it’s only right that she’d lend her talents for summer’s hottest ‘it’ clutch with her new bag range. The collections of creative clutches were inspired by the designer’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection which drew inspiration from postage stamps, flowers and bank notes. Arthouse prints are a key fashion trend this summer season and nobody captivates bright bold patterns quite like Mary. marykatrantzou.com
Lovely Lingerie Since DKNY Intimates first launched in 1999 the brand has continued to create popular provocative pin-up pieces, which we at Style Her HQ are totally obsessed with. Mirroring the hip contemporary style of DKNY clothing, the new summer collection features the most flirty lingerie pieces, each comfortably shaped to provide the best in support and design style – because after all, it’s what’s underneath that counts. johnlewis.com
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RISE AND SHINE FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS OF THE INAUGURAL WATCH WEEK AT THE ROYAL EXCHANGE, WE’VE PULLED TOGETHER SOME OF THE STAND-OUT PIECES FROM THE FIVE DAYS You may not have heard of Nicolas Rieussec, but you’ll certainly have seen his work – he’s a veritable icon of watchmaking and one of the major pioneers of modern timepiece technology. In 1822, the patent for his Chronographe Encreur (ink chronograph) was granted, and his place as the inventor of one of the most important devices in watch history was cemented. Rieussec’s chronograph worked by dropping dots of ink onto a white enamel face, recording the time elapsed. Rieussec’s neologism for his invention was very apt too – the word is derived from the Ancient Greek chrono, meaning ‘time’ and graphein, meaning ‘to write’. The Nicolas Rieussec Rising Hours is the latest timepiece to join Montblanc’s collection
dedicated to the horological pioneer. It carries the characteristics typical of the series – most notably that different facets of the face rotate while the hands stay still – but it certainly
“Nicolas Rieussec is one of the major pioneers of modern timepiece technology” makes its own dramatic impact too. As is the way with the progressive engineers at Montblanc, this concept has now evolved so that the watch displays the ‘ordinary’ WWW.THEROYALEXCHANGE.CO.UK
CITY MAG June 13.indd All Pages
(non-elapsed) hours as well as the immediate time. The Rising Hours features a new and unique time display in which the hours appear in a window and the minutes are highlighted by a handed dial. The face is a series of discs and circles, tricky to understand at first, but beautiful when you grasp it. Its intricacies don’t stop at unique apertures and unusual dials, however – the Arabic numerals that display the hour change colour depending on the time: pale blue at night and black during the day. The Nicolas Rieussec Rising Hours is not only an elaborately beautiful timepiece, but a tribute to the brand’s heritage and a symbol of its ongoing commitment to new technologies. Montblanc, £9,000
promotion
SIX OF THE BEST
Round The Clock ↑
Dark Rider ↑
Américaine in Paris ↑
It is almost 150 years since Patek Philippe invented the first-ever wristwatch, so to invest in this delightful women’s Twenty-4 model is to purchase a piece of history. The timepiece first appeared in 1999 and is a modern interpretation of the Gondolo, Patek’s early-20th-century Art Deco watches. The bezel is adorned with Top Wesselton diamonds and the crown is studded with a single onyx. Boodles, POA
Hermès is renowned for its equestrian heritage, so the inspiration for its Dressage watch is clear. In keeping with the sport it is named after, this watch is notable for its restraint, elegance and perfect lines. With its lightly curving profile, fine leather strap and open-worked Dauphine hands, it is a delicate yet masculine piece. The contemporary design still nods to Hermès’s past with elements such as the central Guilloché motif. Hermès, £6,100
Available now at The Royal Exchange Jewellers, on the Threadneedle Street side of the building, is this stunning women’s Cartier Tank Américaine. The addition of tiny diamonds makes it even more rare and impressive than other watches from the same collection. Its curved platinum case was inspired by the style of Thirties New York, but has been given Cartier’s Parisian twist, naturellement. The Royal Exchange Jewellers, £7,750
First Lady ↑
New Tricks ↑
Grey Matter ↑
Launched in 1955, the Ladymatic was one of Omega’s first self-winding watches to be designed exclusively for women. The collection has now been reinvigorated for the 21st century and is available in a range of colours for the face. The 34mm case is crafted from 18ct red gold, yellow gold or stainless steel and offered with the choice of either polished or snow-set diamond-pavé bezels. Omega, from £4,170
Between them, the directors of Searle & Co Jewellers have a wealth of knowledge and expertise, and the company itself has been in existence for more than a century, so it made perfect sense for this seller of watches to become a watchmaker. The strength of this new The Royal Exchange men’s gold wristwatch lies in its simplicity, making it just the thing to add an elegant touch to everyday attire. Searle & Co, £1,225
Montblanc’s Timewalker Twinfly Chronograph Greytech is limited to 888 pieces and features a 43mm shot-blasted titanium case, a flyback chronograph with central minute and second hands and a grey alligator-skin strap with a pin buckle also made from titanium. Sleek and bold, this watch ensures you stand out from the crowd and provides the fashionable finishing touch for any well-groomed gentleman. Montblanc, £9,200
AGENT PROVOCATEUR • ARTISAN FINE ART GALLERY • BACHET • BOODLES • BVLGARI • CHURCH’S • CROCKETT & JONES • GRAND CAFÉ • GUCCI • HARRYS OF LONDON HERMÈS • IMPERIAL CITY • JO MALONE LONDON • JONES LANG LASALLE • KIEHL’S SINCE 1851 • KOJIS • LORO PIANA • L’OCCITANE • LULU GUINNESS• MEZZANINE LOUNGE MOLTON BROWN • MONTBLANC • OMEGA • PAUL A. YOUNG FINE CHOCOLATES • PAUL SMITH • PENHALIGON’S • PRETTY BALLERINAS • ROYAL EXCHANGE JEWELLERS SAGE BROWN FINE LEATHER • SAUTERELLE RESTAURANT • SEARLE & CO JEWELLERS • SMOKER’S PARADISE • SMYTHSON • TATEOSSIAN • THEO FENNELL • TIFFANY & CO. VILEBREQUIN • WATCHES OF SWITZERLAND • WATCHFINDER & CO.
THE ROYAL EXCHANGE, BANK, CITY OF LONDON, EC3V 3LR. STORE TRADING HOURS 10AM – 6PM. RESTAURANTS & BARS 8AM – 11PM
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Cit
11:33
HEALTH PROMOTION
GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER… PERCEPTIONS AND MISCONCEPTIONS OF CARDIAC DISEASE IN WOMEN Heart disease is the single biggest killer of women in the UK – HCA Hospitals unite to advise on how to keep young at heart
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ndulgent meals, a few glasses of wine in the evening, driving over walking, the occasional social cigarette – these are behaviour patterns we all recognise as part of a modern lifestyle, but long term repetition of these activities could lead to heartbreak when it comes to your health. As many as one in five women will develop heart disease in their lifetime, with Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) the greatest threat. This condition refers to the narrowing of the arteries caused by the build-up of fatty deposits (known as atheroma), which restrict blood flow and, if left untreated, can result in a heart attack. Whilst the risk of cardiac disease to men is well documented, the fact that heart disease kills three times more women than breast cancer is often overlooked, highlighting the importance of knowing the risk factors.
REDUCE THE RISK The good news is that for many, basic lifestyle changes can considerably reduce the risk of cardiac disease. Professor Richard Schilling, Consultant Cardiologist at London Bridge Hospital explains: “Simple changes to your routine can drastically cut your risk. Managing your weight through a diet that is low in saturated fat, cholesterol and salt, whilst ensuring you do not exceed the recommended 2-3 units a day of alcohol should help to keep your heart healthier for longer. The pressure to ‘have it all’ can lead to increased stress levels, resulting in negative coping mechanisms e.g. smoking, eating poorly, and drinking more. Regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight and keep stress levels down, but if stress persists it’s vital that you seek help to ensure these behaviours do not impact on your health long term.”
RISK FACTORS Dr Wyn Davies, Consultant Cardiologist at The Harley Street Clinic notes the importance for women to understand the risk factors of cardiac disease, which include: 1. Being Overweight – This places strain on your heart as it is required to work harder to pump blood around the body. 2. Diet – Too much salt can increase your blood pressure, heightening the risk of stroke; whilst saturated fat and high cholesterol increase fatty build up in the arteries. 3. Smoking – Favours the development of cholesterol deposits inside the lining of arteries. 4. Family history – The hereditary nature of heart disease means you are at greater risk of developing it if your family members have suffered from the condition. 5. Alcohol – Drinking too much increases blood pressure and can lead to weight gain. 6. Stress – Whilst this can raise blood pressure, increased levels also act as a trigger for other negative behaviour patterns that impact heart health.
SEEK HELP Whilst prevention is key, Dr. David Lipkin, Consultant Cardiologist at The Wellington Hospital highlights the importance of monitoring your health and seeking help when symptoms arise: “The risk of heart disease increases with age in women and there is a marked increase in incidences after the menopause. If you are concerned, at-home monitoring can be useful. Regularly monitoring your weight is a strong start, whilst pharmacies offer cholesterol tests. For those who are more concerned, CT scans are readily available within cardiology departments to search for chalk in the arteries.”
IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT YOUR HEART HEALTH, YOU CAN MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AT ONE OF HCA’S OUTSTANDING HOSPITALS; LONDON BRIDGE HOSPITAL, THE HARLEY STREET CLINIC, AND THE WELLINGTON HOSPITAL BY VISITING WWW.HEARTCARELONDON.CO.UK OR CALLING 0843 249 7820.
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FOOD
DRINK
The best fine dining has to offer, right on your doorstep
All aboard the Cutty Sark With stunning river-front views of the Thames and Canary Wharf serving as a scenic backdrop, the newly refurbished Cutty Sark pub is all you’ll need for a wonderful fine-dining and drinking experience. The wide range of cask-conditioned beers, fine wines and special selections of seasonal ales are perfect complements to the fantastic new menu of gourmet British dishes. This summer set your anchor at a pub which offers good food, the best alcohol and an enjoyable maritime atmosphere. cuttysarkse10.co.uk
Backyard background bars The minute the sun comes out, most people ditch the indoor eateries and claustrophobic pubs in search of the nearest lawn. This is why pop-up bars are fast becoming the go-to venues over the summer season. The Backyard Background bar is the most highly anticipated pop bar, following its very successful run at the Dalston Roof Park last year. It will be making its return again there this summer, offering a more unique drinking experience with a wider range of rousing events; think DJ sets, film screenings, good food and all the delicious cocktails you can drink. backgroundbars.com
to market Fish Market is a must for seafood lovers, boasting fresh fish, locallysourced, and a diverse, intriguing menu, says lana jordan Being in the middle of the City means we often forget about local sources of fresh fish, which come in from the Kent and Essex coasts to Billingsgate Market with a daily basis. The benefit to Londoners is being able to indulge in everything from sardines and anchovies to lobster and Dover sole throughout the City. Fish Market, near Liverpool Street, and part of the D&D stable, is a wonderful place to sample some of the best fish and seafood London has to offer. A cosy, welcoming setting, with a lovely courtyard for dining outside (if the sun ever decides to shine),
the interior is wood-clad and warm, with a bustling atmosphere. Menus comprise an extensive a la carte offering, with lobster and other crustacea, starters, salads, pastas, lite bites and mains. There is also a Market menu with the best sustainably sourced fish from the day’s catch - whole bream, sole, turbot and mackerel were on offer when we dined. We started with shell-on prawns, dressed Cornish crab and divine Ortiz anchovies, the salty oil mopped up with fresh bread. We then had a Dover sole and a sea bream, grilled whole and served simply with a sauce vierge or hollandaise. The sole was especially divine, and I know why the fish is in such demand – beautifully tender and tasty, it fell off the bone and melted in the mouth. White wine seemed essential to match with the food and we enjoyed a wonderful bottle of La Clochette Sancerre from the Loire, buttery and fresh it was the perfect accompaniment. 16B, New Street, EC2M fishmarket-restaurant.co.uk
news
Past and Present The hugely successful Hong Kong restaurant Hutong is opening a venue of the same name on the 33rd floor of The Shard this June. The venue parallels stunning views of London’s modern skyline with a Chinese heritageinspired interior that includes a hand-carved wooden ceiling canopy salvaged from a demolished Qing dynasty home. Open for lunch, dinner and late-night drinks, the house menu samples relatively unknown northern Chinese Cuisine. aquahutong.co.uk
aiming high Oblix in The Shard more than does its impressive location proud, says Emma Johnson
Succulent summer strawberries Summer strawberries dipped in luxurious chocolate have always satisfied the needs of all sweet-toothed chocolate connoisseurs. Godiva will be delighting them all with its new strawberry dipping experience launching this summer. Succulent strawberries will be covered in smooth textures, intensely delicious dark chocolate and, as an added feature, customers will be able to tailormake their strawberries with special coatings of coconut shavings, speculoos and honey-roasted almonds. As the ultimate standard in artisan chocolatiering, Godiva’s mouthwatering chocolate dipped confectioneries are a perfect summer treat. godiva.com
The Cryptic Cask The Glenlivet has unveiled a bottle with no cask information, no tasting notes and no age statement. The Glenlivet Alpha is a rare and enigmatic single malt whisky that challenges the taster to guess the details of its makeup. The heritage brand has innovatively used social media to connect intrigued whisky lovers through a series of online challenges on theglenlivet.com and facebook.com/ theglenlivet. The limited number of 3,350 bottles were crafted in secret by master distiller Alan Winchester.
There is perhaps not going to be a hotter foodie launch this season than the first eatery to open in The Shard. With three luxury restaurants all due to open by July, (see top left for details of one of them) it’s certainly going to get competitive up there at several hundred feet above sea (and City) level. Kudos, then, to Oblix who got itself to the finish line first and can benefit from a couple of uninterrupted months of trading before having to jostle for business. Luckily opening first isn’t the only stroke of genius Oblix has had – in fact, this new opening might just be one of my favourites in London. Take the restaurant space for instance – sensibly and humbly it lets the location speak for itself; the understated room allows the views to flood in from every angle. Even the chefs in the open-plan, middle-of-the-room kitchen have one of the best workplace views I’ve ever seen. Tables crowd round the edge of the room and even those set back from the windows can’t fail to be awed by the sight of the sun setting across London. And then there’s the sommelier station – the first in London – and a total revelation. Everything on the wine list is available by the glass – also unheard of in London – meaning you can abandon your table for ten minutes to indulge in a private wine tasting with the charismatic sommelier who carefully matches wines to your tastes while imparting some of his extensive wisdom along the way. Brilliant. The menu, also, is not overly fussy. Rainer Becker – of Zuma and Roka fame – has taken his first step away from Japanese food and created a menu of simple, meaty dishes, where delicious rotisseried chicken and duck, sit comfortably with perfect scallops, steaks, lamb chops and tuna. After dinner, not content to finish our evening there, we sloped into the stunning bar for cocktails and relaxed on the comfy chairs, soaking up the live blues, the twinkling City lights through the windows, and the unmistakeable feeling that we were somewhere really quite special. Oblix Level 32, The Shard 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 oblixrestaurant.com
The Glenlivet Alpha, £95, theglenlivet.com
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Love your heart I was concerned about my heart, especially at my age, so I went for a check up at a HCA Hospital. Now I’m back gardening and playing with the children and would recommend HCA for your heart healthcare and all heart concerns.
For more information about HCA Hospitals’ Heartcare or to book an appointment call 0843 249 7523
HCA Hospitals – World-Class Healthcare www.heartcarelondon.co.uk
Model used for illustrative purposes only
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10/04/2013 16:17
travel
REPORT
father
& son
This unique Father’s Day package offers a one-of-a-kind driving and footballing experience
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ompared to Mother’s Day, Father’s Day isn’t often afforded the same special attention; and yet quality time between fathers and their children is hugely important, especially in today’s world which sees so many parents working extremely long hours. Family holidays can help redress the balance somewhat, but sometimes a more oneon-one approach is needed. Father and son holidays are a great way to bond, and the best experiences to be had on Father’s Day are the ones giving dads the chance to be kids again. For boys (and men) who love cars, burning some rubber in one of the world’s most prestigious
supercars, in one of the world’s coolest cities, is definitely what dreams are made of. Hotel Principe Di Savoia in Milan is offering just that, giving guests a superb Ferrari test-driving experience along some of the most beautiful Milanese roads, in addition to providing football tickets to the incredible San Siro Stadium as part of its Father&Son package. Principe Di Savoia is noted as one of the finest hotels in Milan – with its plush rooms, great location and restaurants boasting some of the best gastronomic talents, it will provide everything you’ll need for a luxurious action-packed Father’s Day weekend away. hotelprincipedisavoia.com
Those
Mountain
Roadsâ&#x20AC;Ś
Matthew Beattie resists his instincts and takes himself on an organised tour; except this high-octane holiday is worlds away from coach class
motoring special / TRAVEL
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rganised holidays aren’t my thing. I prefer to be in control of my own itinerary. Therefore, when the Porsche Travel Club invited me on a tour of Gran Canaria – the destination of choice for orange hairdressers from Cheshire – my expectations were modest. I had only ever been to the Canary Islands once before, to Tenerife. It had been like The Jeremy Kyle Show, with palm trees. This time, I would be going to a different island and for a different reason: to experience an organised tour, Porsche-style. You can actually choose almost any car from the Porsche range for your Travel Club tour – including the 911 – but I liked the idea of making the most of the sunshine with some open-top roadster fun. It was the Boxster S for me and I was willing to forgive any misery that might arise from letting others do the planning – be it cramped charter flights or a staying at a hotel where the swimming pool was filled with drunken van drivers from Essex. At least I knew I would enjoy my wheels. I needn’t have worried. The Porsche Travel Club only books scheduled flights with reputable carriers. I didn’t meet my nine fellow-guests until Gran Canaria Airport, where a chap with a
Porsche sign guided us towards our transfer. Most tours require a minimum of 10 participants. Upper limits can vary, but I was assured that groups were always kept small and informal. Gran Canaria also came as a pleasant surprise. Maybe it was the sun setting over the azure sea; maybe the vibrant pink bougainvillea lining the roadside, but I wondered whether I had been hasty in my judgement. This turned to certainty, when we reached our accommodation: the 328-room, five-star Palm Beach Hotel. Located near the golden sands of Maspalomas beach, the hotel boasted a spa, fitness centre, and three pools. Its interior – designed by architect Alberto Pinto – blended luxury and modernity, but with a retro twist. As Porsche Switzerland’s head of press and public relations told me later over dinner, the Porsche Travel Club has exacting standards when it comes to accommodation: “People expect the very best quality from Porsche; this is no less true for our tours,” she explained. “The best hotels and cuisine, the best scenery – and, of course, the best driving experience.” Our first driving tour began the next day, after a lavish buffet breakfast. Cars are allocated on a two-to-a-car basis, but you choose your companion for the day (travelling as a couple, or with a friend obviously renders this decision redundant). I teamed up with a
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journalist from a German publication, who I had befriended the previous evening. All tour routes include opportunities to stop and swap places, so everyone gets a go at driving. I let my German companion drive our bronze-coloured Boxster S first. I quickly regretted it. Personable as he was, his driving was awful. He treated the accelerator like it was connected to a kilo of Semtex. Cars should travel in convoy on each tour, sticking to speed
watched the sun set over the dunes, before enjoying an open-air gourmet dinner beneath the stars. When asked if there were any trips closer to home, the guide reeled off a list of destinations that included Tuscany, the Alps and the Côte d’Azur. Hearing no mention of Gran Canaria, I asked if it was to be added to the list: “Oh, no. This was just a one-off,” he said, adding that the Porsche Travel Club tailored trips to any location, within reason, if a group expressed an interest. My German friend drove us back to the hotel, but this time I was glad. I had eaten too much at lunch, plus, riding shotgun meant I could savour the scenery. Looking out across a vista of volcanic rock and blue sea, I found it hard to believe that a one-off trip could have been organised so meticulously. The cars, the tour routes, the hotel and the restaurants: they were all as perfect as the panel-fit on a 911. And best of all, the trip wasn’t over yet. The following day, our cars would be washed, fuelled and ready for us to do the same thing all over again – this time in another part of the island. This was organised travel Porsche-style and I couldn’t get enough of it.
It was hard to believe that a one-off trip could be so well-organised. The cars, the routes, the restaurants: they were all as perfect as the panel-fit on a 911 limits in built-up areas and keeping a spirited-but-safe pace on the open road. An English-speaking tour guide leads the group in his own car, keeping in contact with everyone via walkie-talkies. Sadly, this was a concept that escaped my Teutonic friend. As the rest of our procession disappeared over the horizon, I suggested that he might get a move on: the speed limit was 50km/h and people on electric invalid scooters were overtaking us. “I’m in no hurry,” he said – the mantra of trilby-hatted drivers the world over. Mercifully, the walkie-talkie crackled to life with urgent enquiries from the rest of our party, basically saying: “Where the **** are you?” This had the desired effect and we finally caught up with everyone on a twisting road that led inland, towards the mountains and volcanoes at the centre of the island. I relegated my German co-pilot to the passenger seat during a lavatory-break, about half-an-hour later. Watching his ashen-faced reaction each time I kicked the accelerator into the carpet only enhanced my joy at driving a great car through such spectacular scenery. An advantage of travelling in convoy was our guide acting as an early-warning system, informing us of oncoming traffic and when it was safe to overtake slower vehicles. It was like driving with “The Force”. I was almost sorry when our convoy pulled in for lunch. The restaurant was in the middle of a vineyard, obscured from the road by a hill and orderly rows of grape vines. Over a selection of local dishes, I chatted to our guide, a veteran of numerous Porsche Travel Club tours. He recalled a recent tour he had led through the deserts of Morocco. On that occasion, the vehicles had been Cayennes. The highlight, he told me, had been when he and his group had spent the night in the desert, staying in luxury Berber tents equipped with beds and every comfort of home. They had
more information The Porsche Travel Club organises everything from day or weekend trips and five-day adventure tours, to bespoke packages for groups, through some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. They also offer a range of motorsport and driver-training packages. Holidays include flights, transfers, vehicle rental, all meals and accommodation. Fuel, excursions and vehicle insurance (subject to a personal excess of 2,500 €) are also inclusive. Prices start from around 650 € pp for a day tour to upwards of 5,000 pp for a seven-day tour. porsche.com/travelclub Upcoming destinations for 2013 Porsche Weekends: Leipzig/Dresden: 13 – 14 July Black Forest: 17 – 18 August Porsche Tours: Scotland: 21 – 27 June or 28 June – 4 July Alpine Tour: 29 June – 1 July Dolomite Alps: 16 – 19 July Burgundy: 22 – 25 August Barcelona/the Pyrenees : 29 August – 3 September or 4 – 9 September Provence/Côte d’Azur: 25 September – 1 October
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motoring special / TRAVEL
ON YER BIKE Add a little spice to a beach holiday with a classic motorbike excursion, suggests Mat thew Carter
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t’s a gloriously sunny summer’s morning and the twisty road up to the hills is enticingly empty. It is, in short, the perfect day to get the motorbike out of the garage and go for a blast. Except for one thing. You’re on holiday in Mallorca and your bike, leathers and helmet are a flight away back home. But all is not lost. Thanks to the foresight of an ex-pat Londoner and motorcycle fanatic, you can now get to enjoy those beautiful biking roads on some classic machinery proudly wearing badges like BSA, Norton and Triumph. Hugh Birley, who now lives on Mallorca, so enjoyed taking in the sights, scents and sounds of the island on his Ducati that he quickly realised like-minded enthusiasts might also enjoy riding classic bikes over some of the best roads on the planet. So instead of settling back to enjoy an early retirement, Birley has established Albion Motorcycles on the island to give free-spirited holidaymakers something different to enjoy. He has expanded his collection of bikes and employs a full-time mechanic whose job is to keep the fleet on the road – these are not museum pieces, after all. Not for nothing is the company’s motto ‘Ride ’em, don’t hide ’em’. Albion’s two-wheel fleet includes some of the best British bikes ever made, plus a smattering of exotic European machines. There’s a 1974 Norton Commando, a ’64 Triumph Bonneville T120 and a glorious 1958 BSA Rocket Gold Star replica. These are augmented by a 1971 BMW R75, two Ducatis – a 1977 900GTS and a ’94
Monster – and a Moto Guzzi 850T from 1974. All can be ridden by anyone with a proper licence and, if needed, a spot of tuition into some of the quirks of older bikes: some have right-foot gear changes and some have left foot changes, for example. There’s one more bike in the stable, but Hugh only lets the best riders out on his 1953 Vincent Rapide C. Capable of 100mph and almost completely lacking in brakes (they’re all like that!) you need courage and skill to tame the Vincent. “We cater for everyone who loves proper bikes and enjoys the thrill of riding them on great roads and in mostly glorious weather,” said Hugh. Every Albion outing is bespoke, tailored to suit the bikes being ridden, the experience of the group – whether they are a number of individuals or a bunch of mates – and the weather. They are also escorted by Hugh who picks the best roads and ensures no one gets lost or suffers any bike problems. But there’s one constant: it’s all about having fun. “The roads are glorious and largely trafficfree,” said Hugh. “They include pine-lined twisty sections at the start so riders can get used to how their bike handles before heading up to the mountains where some faster cross-island roads carve through olive and almond groves. “We take in coast roads where riders will experience the tang of sea-salt in the air and ride through towns, villages and vineyards so they can experience the real Mallorca. The routes offer all manner of conditions, perfect for a spot of touring or faster fun as the mood takes.” Trips tend to take place in the morning
before the sun becomes too hot and finish with a gourmet lunch either at a renowned local restaurant, or a gourmet picnic in the shade of a tumbling grapevine. Best of all, riders can enjoy a thirstquenching beer or glass of wine as, during lunch, the bikes are whisked back to base for fettling if needed and the group is then transported back to their hotel or villa by mini-bus ready for an afternoon in the sun. Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, Albion runs its tours virtually all year round, though it shuts down between late July and early September, months when the sun is at its fiercest and the roads tend to be populated by rental cars and tourist coaches. “April to June and mid-September to November are our favourite times, but a January trip can be a great way to banish the winter blues,” said Hugh. To enjoy an Albion tour, you’ll need to be a reasonably experienced biker, over 25 years old and have held a full motorcycle licence for at least three years. Albion also asks for proof – an insurance policy for example – that you are regularly riding your own bike. Albion provides helmets, jackets and gloves, but regular riders can bring their own gear if they prefer. You can go for just one day or, if you want to sample all the bikes on offer, as many as you like. Albion can even arrange a track day, foodie tours, trips to special events and festivals on the island, or a simple excursion to one of the island’s fabulous beaches… great if you want to keep a pillion-passenger happy. To find out more, call +34 971 180 783 or check out the website on albionmotorcycles.com
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escape
Destination...
aberdeen AIMEE LATIMER escapes to Aberdeen – and is joyfully distracted by the food WHERE TO STAY… The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa The five-star Marcliffe Hotel is set in 11 beautiful acres of wooded grounds and is located only three miles from Aberdeen’s centre. The private hotel’s 35 rooms and seven suites offer an elegant refuge for both leisure and business guests. For a glamour fix, the tanning and luxury manicures at the hotel’s spa come highly recommended. For the more outdoorsy, hunting, shooting and fishing can be arranged at short notice through the hotel. marcliffe.com
WHERE TO EAT… Moonfish Café The Moonfish Café is a must-visit restaurant in Aberdeen. Owner and chef Christian Recomio takes inspiration from food trends across the world to create his artistically-presented dishes. The menu is short, but the choices are decadent – the roasted monkfish with pistachio pesto on a bed of saffron and broad bean risotto is a must-try. Similarly, the wine list is small but wellsourced and features bottles ranging in price from £15 to £31, all available by the glass. The delightful chocolate pavé served with raspberries and a toasted meringue is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to dessert. moonfishcafe.co.uk
WHAT TO DO… see Craigievar Castle
From top to bottom: Craigievar Castle; Aberdeen Harbour; Taste Of Grampian food festival; the Aberdeen skyline; Moonfish Café food
Some 27 miles from Aberdeen lies a pink castle straight from the pages of a fairy tale. The 17th century Craigievar Castle can be discovered west of Aberdeen in beautiful, sprawling grounds with marked pathways for walks. Learn about Craigievar’s intriguing history and how it changed hands between the Mortimer family and the clan Forbes, how it was used as a hospital in World War II for injured soldiers and how it came to be entrusted to The National Trust for Scotland. Take a tour inside to see Craigievar’s collection of family portraits, original Jacobean woodwork and stunning plaster ceilings. nts.org.uk
Don’t Miss… A festival of food British Airways flies up to 11 times per day to Aberdeen, including up to three flights per day from London City Airport. Customers flying from London City Airport benefit from a quick and easy service, with transfer from kerbsideto airside just 15 minutes. Book with ba.com
i
96 THE CITY june 2013
Aberdeen is home to a host of quality restaurants, from hidden gems such as Rustico on Summer Street to fine-dining finds like Granite Park in Golden Square. Be sure to spend the day sampling the best of the region’s products at the Taste of Grampian one-day food festival on 1 June where celebrity chefs Simon Rimmer and Nick Nairn will be putting on cooking demonstrations. tasteofgrampian.co.uk
The challenge was finding a place where our baby felt happy and comfortable and gave us the peace of mind that all his needs were taken care of.
Our decision to enrol Nathan at My Nursery was an easy one
We were always greeted with a smile and friendly face
We say a big thank you to My Nursery from the bottom of our hearts DAY NURSERY 3 months - 5 years Virginia Quay • Docklands • London • E14 2ED t: 0207 515 8333 • e: info@my-nursery.org • w: www.my-nursery.org
THE Directory Whether you want to dine or to drink, to purchase gorgeous gifts and stylish outfits, to keep fit or to be pampered, the City is home to a wealth of services and amenities
Collection
Health & Beauty
Bachet
Ajala Spa
12 The Courtyard
10 Godliman Street
020 3405 1437
020 7074 1010
bachet.fr
www.ajalaspa.com
Virgin Active 5 Old Broad Street, 0845 270 4080 virginactive.co.uk Barber Express Ltd
artisangalleries.com
14 Devonshire Row Chequers Beauty
2 & 3 The Courtyard
020 7377 5485
Salon
Royal Exchange
barberexpress.co.uk
53-54 Leadenhall Market
020 7283 7284
020 7283 3047
City Health & Fitness
boodles.com
chequersbeauty.co.uk
Club London
Bulgari Royal Exchange 020 7283 4580 bulgari.com Ernest Jones Unit 3, Plantation Place 020 7929 4491 ernestjones.co.uk Goldsmiths 186-190 Bishopsgate 020 7283 6622 goldsmiths.co.uk
Grange City Hotel, Elysium Spa
8-10 Cooper’s Row
21 Old Broad Street
cityhealthclub.co.uk
020 7256 8624 elysiumfortytwo.co.uk
Kiehls Unit 14/15, Royal Exchange 020 7283 6661 kiehls.co.uk Jo Malone 24 Royal Exchange 08701 925131 jomalone.co.uk Ligne rosset
144 Fetter Lane Essential Therapy
7-39 Commercial Road
020 7702 3553
39 Whitefriars Street
020 7426 9670
fetterbarbers.com
ligne-roset-city.co.uk
F Flit tner
Paul A Young Fine
020 7353 1895 essential-therapie.co.uk
86 Moorgate
Chocolates
Optix
020 7606 4750
20 Royal Exchange
175 Bishopsgate
fflittner.com
020 7929 7007
020 7628 0330 optixuk.com
paulayoung.co.uk London City Runner 10 Ludgate Broadway
Smilepod bank studio
9 Royal Exchange
Leadenhall Market
020 7623 3626
off Fenchurch Street
gucci.com
18-20 Cullum Street
Nicholson & Griffin
020 7836 6866
74 Cannon Street, EC4N 6AE
smilepod.co.uk
020 7489 8551
Hermes
020 7929 5656
Fet ter Barbers Ltd
Gucci
12-13 Royal Exchange
Artisan Fine Art 35 Royal Exchange
Boodles
15 The Courtyard
Retail
020 7329 1955 londoncityrunner.com
nicholsonandgriffin.com
Penhaligon’s 4 Royal Exchange 020 7623 3131 penhaligons.com Smoker’s Paradise 33 Royal Exchange 020 7626 6078 smokersparadise.8m.com
020 7626 7794
The Harley
hermes.com
Medical Group
Ted’s Grooming Room
Links of London
Marc House
120 Cheapside
27 Royal Exchange
Great Street
020 7367 9932
020 7621 0021
0800 022 3385
tedsgroomingroom.com
moltonbrown.com
27 Broadgate Circle 020 7628 9668
Molton Brown
linksoflondon.com
harleymedical.co.uk
Tower Bridge Health &
Paul Smith
Montblanc
The Private Clinic
Fitness Club
Unit 7, The Courtyard
10-11 Royal Exchange
107 Cheapside
47 Prescot Street
Royal Exchange
020 7929 4200
0800 599 9911
020 7959 5050
020 7626 4778
montblanc.com
theprivateclinic.co.uk
grangehealthclubs.com
paulsmith.co.uk
Boodles
SushiSamba
High Timber Restaurant
Madison Restaurant
Fashion
Bars and Pubs
Restaurants
Agent Provocateur
1 Lombard Street
1901 at andaz hotel
5 Royal Exchange
1 Lombard Street
40 Liverpool Street
020 7623 0229
020 7929 6611
020 7618 7000
agentprovocateur.com
1lombardstreet.com
andazdining.com
Grand Café
Grappolo 1 Plough Place 020 7842 0510 grappololondon.com
Bulgari
Anise Bar
Anohka Indian
The Courtyard, Royal Exchange
15 The Courtyard, Royal Exchange
9 Devonshire Square
Restaurant St. Pauls
020 7618 2480
020 7283 4580
020 3642 8679
4 Burgon Street
royalexchange-grandcafe.co.uk
bulgari.com
Anthologist
020 7236 3999 anokha-indian.com
Haz Restaurant Plantation Place
Church’s
58 Gresham Street
28 Royal Exchange
0845 468 0101
Brasserie Blanc
6 Mincing Lane
020 7929 7015
theanthologistbar.co.uk
60 Threadneedle Street
020 7929 3173
020 7710 9440
hazrestaurant.co.uk
church-footwear.com
Balls Brothers
Crockett & Jones
11 Blomfield Street
25 Royal Exchange
020 7588 4643
0207 929 2111 crockettandjones.com Harrys of London 18 Royal Exchange 020 7283 4643
brasserieblanc.com
High Timber Restaurant
Caffé Concerto
8 High Timber Street
One New Change
020 7248 1777
Bar Bat tu
020 7494 6857
hightimber.com
48 Gresham Street
caffeconcerto.co.uk
020 7036 6100 barbattu.com
Madison Restaurant
Chamberlain’s
2 New Change
Restaurants
020 8305 3088
Prism
23-25 Leadenhall Market
madisonlondon.net
147 Leadenhall Street
020 7648 8690
020 7256 3888
chamberlains.org
Vertigo 42
Chez Gerard
020 7600 0992
Tower 42, Old Broad Street
14 Trinity Square
mintleaflounge.com
Hugo Boss
020 7877 7842
020 7213 0540
One New Change
vertigo42.co.uk
chezgerard.co.uk
020 7332 0573
Hawksmoor Guildhall
Cinnamon Kitchen
020 7375 2568
10-12 Basinghall Street
9 Devonshire Square
individualrestaurantcompanyplc.co.uk
020 7397 8120
020 7626 5000
thehawksmoor.com
cinnamon-kitchen.com
020 7236 3635
Counting House
Fora Restaurant
Royal Exchange
1-2 Royal Exchange Buildings
50 Cornhill
34-36 Houndsditch
020 7618 2483
020 7626 2782
020 7283 7123
020 7626 2222
sauterelle-restaurant.co.uk
karenmillen.com
fullers.co.uk
forarestaurants.co.uk
harrysoflondon.com Loro Piana 2-3 Royal Exchange 020 7398 0000 loropiana.com
hugoboss.com Karen Millen One New Change
Mint Leaf Lounge 12 Angel Court
Piccolino Restaurant 11 Exchange Square
Restaurant Sauterelle The Courtyard
Sushisamba
L.K. Bennett
Searcys Champagne Bar
Gat tis Restaurant
Floors 38 and 39
One New Change
One New Change
1 Finsbury Avenue
Heron Tower
020 7236 4711
020 7871 1213
020 7247 1051
020 3640 7330
searcyschampagnebars.co.uk
gattisrestaurant.co.uk
sushisamba.com
lkbennett.com
june 2013 THE CITY 99
IG004_IG_Week_posters_ST3:Layout 1 03/05/2013 12:15 Page 1
1-9 June 2013
Live Local, Give Local.
Letters: Type Tasting for Wow guide by Rushmore Primary School
For more information on all the fun events taking place throughout the week, please visit www.islingtongiving.org.uk
LONDON Homes&
PROPERTY Showcasing the finest homes in your area
C o v e r i n g Wa p p i n g , S h a d T h a m e s , S h o r e d i t c h , Is l i n g t o n & T h e C i t y
East is East
The expertsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; guide to the area
The Conran Shop, www.conranshop.co.uk Image: Paul Raeside
KnightFrank.co.uk
Wenlock Building, Angel N1
A modern apartment offering spectacular views across London Featuring a high level of specification and finish, this wonderful apartment has extremely bright accommodation over two levels with numerous sky lights and balconies. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, kitchen, dining room, terrace, balcony, off street parking. EPC rating D. Approximately 146 sq m (1,570 sq ft) Leasehold Guide price: ÂŁ1,625,000 (ISL130158)
KnightFrank.co.uk/islington islington@knightfrank.com 020 3641 6138
KnightFrank.co.uk Wilkes Street, Spitalfields E1 Handsome Georgian Townhouse
Within a terrace of houses built in 1723 on the Wood‐Michell Estate by a local builder Marmaduke Smith, this is a mostly original example of the period and has been lovingly restored over the past 20 years by the current owners. Approximately 233 sq m ﴾2508 sq ft﴿. Freehold Guide price £2,250,000
KnightFrank.co.uk/wapping wapping@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5372 ﴾WAP130058﴿
Shearwater Court, St Katharine Docks E1 Dockside Apartment
A fabulous two bedroom two bathroom flat with superb views of St Katharine Docks. The flat has been refurbished to exacting standards and has a dock facing balcony. 24 concierge, parking, gas central heating. EPC rating C. Approximately 91 sq m ﴾979 sq ft﴿. Leasehold Guide price £1,3750,000
KnightFrank.co.uk/wapping wapping@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5372 ﴾WAP130081﴿
City Magazine June Wilkes Shearwater - 20 May 2013 - 37200
21/05/2013 09:08:44
KnightFrank.co.uk Cinnabar Wharf East, Wapping E1W Stunning views
Bright and spacious top floor two double bedroom apartment set in this modern 24 hour portered block on Wapping High Street, with a lovely dual aspect reception room, modern open plan kitchen, two contemporary bathroom suites, underground parking and a large roof terrace with stunning views. Available furnished £575 per week
KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings wappinglettings@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5366 ﴾ASP87768﴿
NEO Bankside, Southbank SE1 Luxury lifestyle development
Outstanding two double bedroom apartment, with a fantastic reception room with floor to ceiling windows, an open plan kitchen and large winter garden. The apartment has wooden floors throughout and comfort cooling. NEO bankside benefits from a range of on‐site facilities. £795 per week
KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings wappinglettings@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5366 ﴾ASP173987﴿
City Magazine Lettings right page Cin NEO - 09 May 2013 - 36645
15/05/2013 11:36:08
C
KnightFrank.co.uk Trafalgar Court, Wapping E1W Stunning river views
Modern apartment set in this popular 24 hour portered block overlooking the river and Canary Wharf. Accommodation comprises of one double bedroom, bathroom, reception room, fitted kitchen, secure parking, and private balcony with stunning views. EPC rating B. Approximately 51 sq mt ﴾550 sq ft﴿. Available furnished £385 per week
KnightFrank.co.uk/wapping wappinglettings@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5366 ﴾ASP85799﴿
Halcyon Wharf, Wapping E1W
Fantastic riverside location Stunning, spacious and light one bedroom apartment with fantastic views of the River Thames. Beautifully presented apartment, boasting modern fully fitted kitchen and luxury bathroom. Furnished to a high standard with wooden flooring throughout. EPC rating B. Approximately 67 sq m ﴾724 sq ft﴿. Available furnished £525 per week
KnightFrank.co.uk/wapping wappinglettings@knightfrank.com 020 8166 5366 ﴾ASP114558﴿
City Magazine June 13 Halcyon Trafalgar - 10 May 2013 - 36764
15/05/2013 09:44:32
KnightFrank.co.uk Albion Riverside, Battersea SW11 Thames river views
This spacious two bedroom apartment has magnificent views of the Thames towards Chelsea and also Battersea at the rear of the property. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room, terrace, parking space, 24 hour security, concierge. EPC rating D. Approximately 134 sq m (1,442 sq ft) Leasehold
Guide price: ÂŁ1,595,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/riverside riverside@knightfrank.com 020 3597 7670 (RVR090033)
Herondale Avenue, Wandsworth SW18 South facing garden
A wonderful 6 bedroom family house with a superb 75ft garden with off street parking. 6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, kitchen/dining/family room, utility room/workshop, downstairs cloakroom, 75ft south facing garden. EPC rating D. Approximately 236 sq m (2,540 sq ft) Freehold Asking price: ÂŁ1,850,000
KnightFrank.co.uk/wandsworth wandsworth@knightfrank.com 020 7768 0993 (WND080042)
KnightFrank.co.uk West India Quay, Canary Wharf E14 Duplex apartment
A wonderfully spacious two bedroom duplex apartment located on the 17th and 18th floors of a sought after portered development. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms, open plan kitchen, concierge, parking, lift. EPC rating C. Approximately 202 sq m ﴾2,172 sq ft﴿. Leasehold: 990 years approximately Guide price: £1,425,000
KnightFrank.co.uk/Canary‐Wharf cwharf@knightfrank.com 020 7512 9966 ﴾CNW120169﴿
Lith Hall, Victoria Park E9 Former Church
A wonderfully refurbished former church situated in a quiet residential road offering views across Victoria Park. 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, reception room, play room, cinema room, kitchen/dining room, utility room, terrace, patio. EPC rating C. Approximately 420 sq m ﴾4,521 sq ft﴿. Freehold Guide price: £4,000,000
KnightFrank.co.uk/Canary‐Wharf cwharf@knightfrank.com 020 7512 9966 ﴾CNW130052﴿
City Magazine June 2013 - 15 May 2013 - 36979
15/05/2013 13:02:17
savills.co.uk
1 SPECTACULAR PENTHOUSE OVERLOOKING THE GARDEN SQUARE highbury stadium square, n5 39' kitchen/dining/living area ø master bedroom suite with dressing room and shower room ø 2nd bedroom with en suite shower room ø further bedroom ø bathroom ø laundry room ø 50' balcony & terrace ø 2 secure parking spaces ø 150 sq m (1,620 sq ft) ø EPC=C Guide £1.295 million Leasehold, approximately 248 years remaining
Savills Islington Jo-Anne Neighbour jneighbour@savills.com
020 7226 1313
savills.co.uk
1 A SUBSTANTIAL GRADE II LATE GEORGIAN HOUSE WITH CANAL VIEWS duncan terrace, n1 First floor drawing room ø further reception room with vaulted ceiling ø cinema room ø open plan kitchen/dining room ø main bedroom with dressing room ø 4 further bedrooms ø 5 bathrooms ø utility room ø 2 w.c.'s ø flexible use of basement ø roof terrace and courtyard garden ø 574 sq m (6,178 sq ft) Guide £5.85 million Freehold
Savills Islington Adam Smith arsmith@savills.com
020 7226 1313
1 2
savills.co.uk
CINNABAR WHARF, e1w
OSPREY COURT, e1w
Reception ø additional mezzanine reception ø open-plan kitchen ø 3 bedrooms ø 3 bathrooms ø terrace ø concierge ø 200 sq m (2,163 sq ft) ø EPC=D
Reception room ø kitchen ø 2 double bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø terrace ø off-street parking ø concierge ø 101 sq m (1,806 sq ft) ø EPC=D
Guide £2.999 million Leasehold
Guide £1.25 million Share of Freehold
3 4
Savills Docklands nefthymiou@savills.com 020 7456 6800
Savills Docklands zjames@savills.com 020 7456 6800
SPITAL SQUARE, e1
FREE TRADE WHARF, e1w
Reception room ø kitchen ø 3 double bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø private development ø 106 sq m (1,141 sq ft) ø EPC=C
Reception ø kitchen ø 2 double bedrooms ø 2 bathrooms ø private terrace ø underground parking ø concierge ø 106 sq m (1,145 sq ft) ø EPC=D
Guide £999,000 Leasehold
Guide £599,000 Leasehold
Savills Docklands nefthymiou@savills.com 020 7456 6800
Savills Docklands zjames@savills.com 020 7456 6800
1 2
savills.co.uk
CANARY RIVERSIDE, e14
DISCOVERY DOCK, e14
2 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø further bathroom ø reception room ø allocated parking ø 24hr security ø administration charges apply ø Council Tax=G ø EPC=B
2 bedrooms (1 en suite) ø balcony ø allocated parking ø on site pool and gym ø 24hr porterage ø administration charges apply ø Council Tax=E ø EPC=B
£725 per week Furnished
£675 per week Furnished
3 4
Savills Canary Wharf ssaul@savills.com 020 7531 2500
Savills Canary Wharf ssaul@savills.com 020 7531 2500
NEO BANKSIDE, se1
HERMITAGE COURT, e1w
Bedroom ø bathroom ø Juliet balcony ø 24hr porterage ø administration charges apply ø Council Tax=F ø EPC = B
Bedroom ø bathroom ø balcony ø rooftop terrace ø allocated parking ø porterage ø administration charges apply ø Council Tax=E ø EPC=C
£650 per week Furnished
£410 per week Furnished
Savills Docklands brodgers@savills.com 020 7456 6800
Savills Docklands brodgers@savills.com 020 7456 6800
Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk
Wheler Street, E1 £425,000 Leasehold This one bedroom apartment is perfectly situated in a charming period building, just off Commercial Road in the heart of Spitalfields. EPC: C
Bishops Square, E1 £750,000 Leasehold This two bedroom two bathroom apartment is stunningly presented and in an enviable location adjacent to Spitalfields Market. EPC: D
St. John Street, EC1M £1,250,000 Leasehold Popular warehouse conversion on St. John Street in Clerkenwell. This 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment offers superb city views. EPC: C
Christopher Court, E1 £520,000 Leasehold This spacious one bedroom flat overlooks the gardens of Goodman’s Fields and comes with a secure underground parking space. EPC: C
Bridgewater Square, EC2Y £795,000 Leasehold A contemporary 3 bedroom apartment in a popular lift-serviced block with a day concierge in the heart of the Square Mile. EPC: B
Temple House, EC4Y £985,000 Leasehold A well presented two bedroom, two bathroom flat with a balcony. Located in one of the City’s most popular buildings. EPC: C
Hamptons City Office Sales. 020 7717 5435 | city@hamptons-int.com
Park Street, SE1 £595,000 Leasehold A stunning penthouse apartment with a large West facing roof terrace benefiting from views of the London skyline. EPC: C
The Water Tower, SE11 £4,750,000 Leasehold A unique opportunity to acquire the only Water Tower in London’s Zone 1 with 360° views over London. GRADE II LISTED
Butlers Wharf Building, SE1 £635,000 Leasehold A superb one bedroom warehouse apartment in the landmark Butlers Wharf building, overlooking Shad Thames. EPC: C
The Circle, SE1 £459,950 Leasehold A 539 sq/ft second floor one bedroom apartment, with a south facing balcony and underground parking. Porter services included. EPC: C
Bermondsey Central, SE1 £725,000 Leasehold A top floor 878 sq/ft two bedroom apartment benefitting from a balcony and roof terrace and an underground parking space. EPC: D
The Circle, SE1 £945,000 Leasehold A stunning two bedroom, 1389 sq/ft refurbished apartment with a separate mezzanine area and dressing room to the master bedroom. EPC: D
Hamptons Tower Bridge Office Sales. 020 7717 5489 | towerbridge@hamptons-int.com
Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk
Monument Street, EC3 £390 per week A bright and spacious one bedroom apartment in this portered development located in the heart of the City of London. EPC: C
High Timber Street, EC4 £390 per week A refurbished one bedroom apartment in this popular City development located moments from St Paul’s. EPC: C
Aldersgate Street, EC1 £420 per week One bedroom apartment located moments from Barbican tube and St Paul’s Cathedral with fantastic cityscape views. EPC: C
Leyden Street, E1, £435 per week A superbly presented one bedroom apartment in this popular Spitalfields development benefiting from daytime concierge. EPC: B
Folgate Street, E1, £495 per week Newly refurbished two bedroom apartment situated in the heart of Spitalfields with excellent transport links. EPC: D
City Road, EC1, £640 per week An excellent two bedroom apartment with fantastic southerly views over the City benefitting from 24 hour concierge service and a gym. EPC: C
Hamptons City Office Lettings. 020 7717 5437 | citylettings@hamptons-int.com
Crosby Row, SE1, £895 per week Stunning and unique three bedroom house, with two receptions, two bathrooms, open plan kitchen and superb roof terrace. EPC: E
Grange Road, SE1, £600 per week (Short Let) Fabulous two bedroom apartment in sought after development close to the amenities of London Bridge and Bermondsey Street. EPC: B
Caraway Apartments, SE1, £575 per week Top floor two bedroom apartment in popular development with 24 hour concierge, ideal for the City and More London. EPC: D
Rodney Point, SE16, £400 per week Bright and airy apartment boasting a good size reception room with River views and recently refurbished kitchen. EPC: D
Maynards Quay, E1W, £495 per week Spacious two double bedroom duplex apartment with fantastic views over Canary Wharf and Shadwell Basin. EPC: D
Aston Webb House, SE1, £415 per week A stylish one bedroom third floor apartment situated moments from Borough Market and moments from London Bridge station. EPC: B
Hamptons Tower Bridge Office Lettings. 020 7717 5491 | towerbridgelettings@hamptons-int.com
Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk
The Mews, N1 This stunning mews house is situated in a secured gated development within the Arlington Conservation Area. The property offers wonderful natural light throughout and consists of a west facing open plan living room with glass hallway leading to a fabulous kitchen. In addition, there is a study on the ground floor. The property benefits for a retractable glass roof with stairs leading to a wonderful roof garden which features birch trees, lavender and ornamental grass. EPC: C
Hamptons Islington Office Sales. 020 7717 5453 | Islington@hamptons-int.com
£1,295,000 Freehold • • • • • •
Modern Townhouse Contemporary Finish Stunning Roof Terrace Spacious Reception Room 2/3 Double Bedrooms Gate Mews
Arlington Square, N1
£1,400,000 Freehold
A beautifully presented, mid-terrace period town house on this superb square in the Arlington Conservation Area. There is a double reception room on the raised ground floor and a contemporary open plan kitchen/ dining room and a shower room on the lower ground floor. The secluded garden has a separate decked area surrounded by trees and borders. The fabulous master bedroom and en suite bathroom is on the second floor.
•
Grade II Listed
•
• • • •
Beautifully presented period house 2 reception rooms Open plan kitchen/dining room 3 bedrooms 3 bathrooms (1 en suite) Rear garden
Sales
The Heron Panoramic Collection, EC2 - From ÂŁ3,600,000 Located above the 30th floor of The Heron and offering unparalleled views, The Panoramic Collection will be the finest residences in the City of London with first class amenities. A selection of two and three bedroom apartments, finished to an exceptional specification including bespoke herringbone parquet flooring, Gaggenau appliances and custom fitted joinery throughout, this is a collection for the most discerning. Completion Summer 2013. Show apartment now open â&#x20AC;&#x201C; viewings by appointment only.
16-17 Royal Exchange, London, EC3V 3LL
royalsales@eu.jll.com
Lettings
020 7087 5412 joneslanglasalle.co.uk
Neo Bankside, SE1 - £460 per week
Neo Bankside, SE1 - £655 per week
A brand new studio apartment in the award winning Neo Bankside. The property comprises a good sized living / sleeping area, luxury shower room, separate kitchen, wood flooring and comfort cooling. Available immediately.
A brand new one bedroom apartment well located for the City. Offered fully furnished and boasting a bright reception, contemporary kitchen, spacious bedroom and luxury bathroom. Benefits include leisure facilities and concierge.
The Heron, EC2 - Coming Soon
The Tapestry Building, EC2 - £1295 per week
Coming soon to the market are a selection of stunning suites, 1, 2 & 3 bedroomed apartments. With an outstanding specification & sensational views of some of London’s iconic buildings. Register your interest now.
A unique warehouse conversion offering approximately 1400 sq ft of living space. Boasting a spacious reception with contemporary open plan kitchen, two double bedrooms,two stunning bathrooms and views of the City skyline.
royallettings@eu.jll.com
homes & property
AGENT SPEAK WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE EAST LONDON PROPERTY MARKET? Richard Pine-Coffin, DIRECTOR OF RESIDENTIAL AT JONES LANG LASALLE, COMMENTS ON THE STATE OF THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET
As with every market there are winners and losers, the current housing market being no exception. Property owners are the ones feeling the benefit of a returning market confidence with a reflection in capital values and for those with equity, the benefit of a slight ease in funding availability and excellent lending rates. The government is seeking to address the situation with schemes such as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Help to Buyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, an initiative which aims to provide real benefits to purchasers struggling to save a large enough deposit whilst servicing increasing rents. The effects of such schemes are anticipated to moderate the rental market and enable those who are seeking to purchase the opportunity to do so; thus, allowing the return of much needed rental stock back into the market. Jones Lang LaSalle undertakes regular market reviews which have shown that East London is faring extremely well. A recent study Jones Lang LaSalle 020 7087 5282 www.joneslanglasalle.co.uk
120
indicated that the Central West area understandably attracts the greatest returns; however, East London as a whole is still considered the most cost effect area within the central cores. Canary Wharf and the City have witnessed notable growth with our research teams, indicating a positive change of between four per cent and six per cent for Q1 2013; the strongest growth was generated from one bedroom apartments closely followed by two bedroom apartments. The increase in confidence is encouraging new development schemes to come back into line, increasing stock for the private sector and additional affordable and social housing through the required payments made by developers under s106 agreements and community infrastructure levy (CiL) payments for the public realm. Interest in East London is as strong as ever. The area still provides, to some extent, availability of land. This, together with with the ever improving infrastructure and communication links seen in the area through the Over Land line and future CrossRail link, is leading purchasers to realise the benefits of the area and seek to gain the advantages that it provides. n
We know why people love living in London’s villages Lively communities, pretty parks, good pubs and restaurants, characters all of their own. We love London’s villages and we know why tenants do too.
fjlord.co.uk
Design Works, EC1V
£720 PW
City bridge House, EC1V
£550 PW
Very spacious two bedroom, two bathroom loft style apartment centrally located with easy access to all major transport facilities. The apartment comprises of two double bedrooms, one en-suite with a further guest shower room. Modern fitted kitchen which is semi-open plan with a good size reception area. The flooring is laid with solid wood throughout.
Stylish 1300sqft loft apartment centrally located with easy access to all major transport facilities. Master bedroom with en-suite. Guest bathroom. Large entrance hall leading to a bright open plan reception and kitchen diner. The flooring is laid with wood throughout while the furniture is modern and contemporary.
Clerkenwell 020 7553 6020
Clerkenwell 020 7553 6020
St. James’s Road, SE1
Ref: FJL00001
£520 pw
Ref: FJL00002 | EPC – D
Holloway Road, N7
£430 PW
Contemporary and sleek, this modern two bedroom penthouse is situated within a modern apartment just minutes to the tube station. Property comprises beautiful reception room with wooden floors, floor to ceiling dual aspect windows and French doors leading to a large terrace.
This large two bedroom apartment in the sought after ‘The Pad’ development is located in Highbury Corner. The apartment offers you a high specification open plan kitchen with access to a private balcony that overlooks the communal area. It has a very good sized two double bedrooms and a luxurious bathroom.
Shad Thames 020 7378 9607
Islington 020 7226 7319
Ref: FJL00003 | EPC – B
Ref: FJL00004 | EPC – B
clerkenwell.lettings@fjlord.co.uk | shad.thames.lettings@fjlord.co.uk | islington.lettings@fjlord.co.uk
We know why people love living in London’s villages Lively communities, pretty parks, good pubs and restaurants, characters all of their own. We love London’s villages and we know why buyers do too.
fjlord.co.uk
Butlers & Colonial, SE1
Guide £799,950 - £850,000
A chance to acquire this stunning property housed within an original warehouse development on Shad Thames. The apartment hosts an array of character features including exposed beams and brickwork, wrought iron pillars and warehouse windows. Viewing highly recommended.
Shad Thames 020 7089 6490
Owen St, EC1V
Ref: FJL027604337 | EPC – C
£1,100,000
Empire Square, SE1
£1,250,000
A magnificent penthouse apartment within this desirable building close to Borough tube and the world famous market. Boasting a fabulous roof garden and 33’ x 26’ reception room with city views, this truly amazing property is one not to be missed.
Shad Thames 020 7089 6490
west Stand apartments, N5
Ref: FJL027604226 | EPC – D
£900,000
A superb two bed, fifth floor apartment of around 1,050 sq ft, refurbished to a vey high standard with two good sized terraces. Featuring excellent City views in this highly regarded portered building minutes from Angel and Islington’s Upper Street.
Set on the former Arsenal Stadium site and set around the original pitch which is now arranged as attractive gardens, a two double bedroom, two bathroom penthouse apartment over the top two floors with two very private terraces with great views.
Clerkenwell 0207 251 9449
Islington 020 7288 1681
Ref: FJL002304111 | EPC – C
clerkenwell.@fjlord.co.uk | shad.thames.@fjlord.co.uk | islington.@fjlord.co.uk
Ref: FJL027401268 | EPC – B
homes & property
AGENT SPEAK IT’S ALL ABOUT HACKNEY BRADLEY SUTER, SENIOR SALES MANAGER AT CURRELL RESIDENTIAL IN HACKNEY, EXPLAINS WHY the area IS THE JEWEL OF THE EAST LONDON PROPERTY MARKET
Hackney has seen significant changes to its image in recent years, transforming from a no-go area for many, to a borough which proudly represented the country throughout the Olympics to a global audience. This positive spotlight has undoubtedly changed people’s perceptions, bringing a huge amount of investment and redevelopment to the area and making Hackney a thriving place to live and work. Far from a location people are required to live in, Hackney is becoming a place people want to live and aspire to live. Coming through the doors of our office on Kingsland road are a variety of different clients including City workers attracted by the improved travel links into the City and local artists who want to be near Currell Residential, Hackney 020 7241 4111 www.currell.com
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Hoxton and Shoreditch but have been pushed out by rising prices. What is great about Hackney is that buyers are realising the range of properties available to them, from period freehold houses, to live/work units and new builds. Like Hoxton and Shoreditch before it, property in Hackney is seeing huge growth in value. Last year alone we saw property prices on selected roads increase by 15 to 20 per cent and we see no sign of that growth slowing down. Hackney’s emergence will have a knock-on effect for surrounding areas in the future as rising prices, particularly in popular areas like London Fields, are already pushing some buyers out. Many, including us, have predicted Clapton may well be the next place buyers looking for a good deal will go to, taking advantage of lower prices without sacrificing good transport links to the City and central London. The growth and flourishing of Hackney is long overdue and working within the industry at such a pivotal moment of change is hugely exciting. n
c
UNIQUE HOMES, UNIQUE SERVICE, UNIQUE PEOPLE A tailored service from Langford Russell, John Payne & Acorn for distinctive and exclusive homes
By Langford Russell
Fox Lane, Keston BR2 a spectacular property offering a real ‘wow’ factor. situated just outside Keston Village with outstanding views, this immaculately presented home was built approximately four years ago and centres around a stunning open-plan living area. Generous family room, feature reception with double height vaulted ceiling and high specification kitchen/breakfast room. a bespoke staircase leads to a galleried landing and five well proportioned bedrooms. Integral double garage, hot tub and external Bose audio system. Energy Efficiency Rating B.
£1,425,000 F/H Please contact our Locksbottom office for more information: Tel: 01689 882 988 Email: locksbottom@langfordrussell.co.uk
Offices Across South East London & Kent www.uniquepropertiesuk.com www.acorn.ltd.uk www.langfordrussell.co.uk www.johnpayne.com
UNIQUE is a Specialist Division of Langford Russell, John Payne & Acorn
Pennington Court, Wapping E1W
Skyline Plaza Building, Aldgate E1
Campania Building,Wapping E1W
£314,995 Share of freehold
£349,950 Leasehold
£364,995 Leasehold
Glamis place E1W
Swedenborg Gardens, Shadwell E1
Tamarind Yard, LONDON E1W
£350,000
£489,995 Freehold
£499,995
Bridgeport Place, Wapping E1W
Walkers Lodge E14
Capital Wharf, LONDON E1W
£499,999 Share of freehold
£680,000
£800,000 Share of freehold
1 bedroom apartment. Close to the City.
2 bed/ 2 bath. Close to Wapping.
2 bedroom/ 2 bathroom. Close to Wapping station.
2 bed apartment. Close to Aldgate station.
4 bedroom house. Close to Shadwell D.L.R.
Spacious apartment. Near Canary Wharf.
2 Double bedroom apartment. Close to Limehouse D.L.R.
2 Bedroom apartment. Close to the City.
2 bedroom apartment. Close to the City.
ea2 Estate Agency Heritage Court | 8-10 Sampson Street | Wapping | London E1W 1NA t: 020 7702 3456 | f: 020 7702 9168 www.ea2.co.uk | property@ea2group.com
Cinnabar Wharf Central, Wapping E1W
Hermitage Court, Wapping E1W
Sanderling Lodge, Wapping E1W
£1,285,000 Leasehold
£1,300,000 Share of freehold
£1,420,000 Share of freehold
1 Tower Bridge, LONDON SE1
Times Square E1
Waterman Way, Wapping E1W
£1,290,000 Leasehold
£299,995 Leasehold
£435 PW
Hermitage Waterside, Wapping E1W
The Coach House, Bethnal Green E2
Glamis Road E1
£590 PW
£560 PW
£260 PW
3 Bedroom apartment. Close to Wapping station.
One Tower Bridge – Completion Q3 2014. 2 bedrooms.
2 Bedroom apartment. Close to Tower Hill.
4 bedrooms. Close to Wapping station.
Modern studio apartment in sought after development.
3 Bedroom House. Close to Bethnal Green station.
2 Bedroom apartment. Close to Tower Hill.
2 Bedroom house. Wapping E1W.
Double bedroom. Spacious lounge. Modern kitchen.
ea2 Estate Agency Heritage Court | 8-10 Sampson Street | Wapping | London E1W 1NA t: 020 7702 3456 | f: 020 7702 9168 www.ea2.co.uk | property@ea2group.com
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Cold Harbour, E14 £350 per Shad week Thames, SE1Butlers Wharf, SE1 £550 pw Butlers & Colonial Wharf, £715,000 Leasehold
Regularly rarely available. Thisa stroll genuine loft could one of apartment the neighbourhood’s prettiest one beds. A lovely sought modernbut apartment located just Onebe bedroom in one of the most prestigious Itfrom is located on the fourth floor of an authentic and award winning conversion. Canary Wharf. blocks in Shad Thames offering a great view of Tower Bridge.
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Butlers Wharf, Shad Thames, SE1 £899,950 Leasehold
Recently refurbished to an exacting standard, a beautifully presented one bedroom apartment with views over the Thames and Tower Bridge.
Curlew Street,SE16 Shad Thames, SE1 London, £2,200,000 Leeside Court, £419,950 Leasehold Norfolk House, EC4V £2,400,000 S/F The Boathouse, Gainsford Street, SE1 Freehold £2,200,000 Share of freehold A two superb property of great quality which combines thespace; edgy, of2,200 a warehouse Inside andfreehold out, this loft apartment provides entertaining covers over sq ft and boasts bedroom apartment measuring 785 sq fantastic ft, located Oneiturban of thestyle finest apartments inconversion the Cityanof with the practicality of a five bedroom house. enormous 42 ft living areadevelopment. which opens onto a large terrace. within a popular riverside London.
We give the same energy and passion to selling or letting property regardless of value and never forget that houses and flats are homes first and foremost. WE KNOW WHO’S BUYING, WHO’S SELLING AND WHO’S MOVING IN YOUR AREA. It is this intimate market knowledge and knowing how to use it that gives our clients the advantage.
99% OF OUR LANDLORDS WOULD USE US AGAIN TO RE-LET THEIR PROPERTY
99
%
We believe people will forget what you say, they may forget what you do, but they will never forget
how you make them feel
of our clients would recommend us... ...28% ALREADY HAD
We asked our clients to rate our levels of communication:
98% SAID WE WERE GOOD, VERY GOOD OR EXCELLENT
CurrellResidential
£3,150,000 Freehold Richmond Crescent, N1 • Five bedrooms family home • Impressive double reception room • Spacious fitted kitchen • Ensuite & dressing room to master bedroom
www.currell.com
£875,000 Share of Freehold York House, N5
• Three double bedrooms • Secluded Edwardian mansion block • Large kitchen • Spacious reception room
£700,000 Guide Price. Freehold Monsell Road, N4 • Three bedrooms house needing work • Open plan double reception room • Two cloakrooms • Patio garden
020 7226 4200
islington@currell.com
tWo oUtStAnDinG
Luxury developer Seqoya are delighted to announce
• The Vertice penthouse provides 3,728 sq ft
the launch of two of London’s most outstanding
(346 sq m) of luxurious living space over
penthouses. Located in a prime St John’s Wood
three floors, with 980 sq ft (91 sq m) of
address, close to both Regent’s Park and
private terraces.
Primrose Hill, these spectacular penthouses offer panoramic views over central London. a lUXURY DeVeloPMent BY
• The Hyperion penthouse has 3,396 sq ft (316 sq m) of luxurious living space over two floors, and 736 sq ft (68 sq m) of private terraces.
PRice on APPLicAtion
cGi images for illustrative purposes only
LonDon PentHoUSeS
Actual view from penthouses
Joint sole selling agents
Savills Hampstead 7 Perrinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Court London NW3 1QS hampstead@savills.co.uk
020 7472 5000
Your reward for all the late nights in the office.
AREA FOCUS East is the new West
S
tretching from Canary Wharf’s stylishly sculpted economic hub, past the beautifully regenerated Docklands and up into the vibrant echelons of Plaistow, Forest Gate and East Ham, London’s trendy Eastern flank is the very definition of up-and-coming. Billions of pounds has been invested in the area beside the Thames, with beautiful apartment buildings springing up all along the river’s edge and more set to follow, boasting views across the city and transport links to suit even the fussiest young professionals. Residents are spoiled for choice in the culinary department, with every possible cuisine to be found amongst the elegant eateries of Canary Wharf and authentic delis dotted along Brick Lane, not to mention the fabulous shopping potential of the area’s markets and luxury retail facilities. With huge capacity for investment and high specification residential developments, this increasingly fashionable area won’t be holding on to its fantastic affordability for long. n
Development Spotlight: ABODE3 The 14 one and two-bedroom apartments at ABODE3 offer high quality interiors with sleek, fully fitted kitchens and bathrooms enabling residents to move straight in. Residents have access to a private terrace, balcony or winter garden as well as a communal landscaped courtyard with secured bicycle stores. Built with the environment in mind, the development incorporates various eco-friendly features such as photovoltaic panels. Apartments at a higher level benefit from views towards Canary Wharf and excellent underground and DLR links offer access to the district within seven minutes, as well as The City in 14 minutes and West End in 19 minutes. The local area has an array of vibrant amenities including the fashionable restaurants and bars of Shoreditch and shops and sporting facilities of Stratford. The regeneration of the area has made it a hotspot for young professionals seeking good investment potential. n
DEVONS ROAD, E3 FROM £285,000 LEASEHOLD www.telfordhomes.plc.uk
020 3538 9633
homes & property
Agent in the Area:
Making the Move Easier:
ALAN SELBY
Jae Gadar
Senior Partner
Managing Director
Alan Selby & Partners
Ashworth Group
www.alanselby.co.uk Alan Selby & Patners 020 7519 5900
Ashworth Group provides Residential Inventory, Cleaning and EPC services
When I founded the company in 1974 in the East End, we identified a huge demand from first-time buyers for low cost homes. At this time, most residential properties in this part of London were let at controlled rents and the area suffered substantial blight due to its dereliction from the Second World War. We were the first ‘local’ estate agency to open for many years and by realising the potential of this low-cost housing, we built up a substantial client base upon which the business could flourish into the next decade. I was on the roof of Cascades in 1986, the first residential tower on the Isle of Dogs, looking over a very different East London! Today, from our office a few doors down, we have gained a wealth of experience from involvement in almost every large-scale residential development in the area. We have seen enormous price growth in the East End catalysed by the success of the City and Canary Wharf as major global financial centres. The area is now largely served by exceptional transport infrastructure which will be significantly enhanced by the delivery of Crossrail. In the past, it was always an issue to live in the East End; it was somewhere everyone wanted to get out of. Today, values on the Isle of Dogs are back to their peak in 2007 and we are seeing record prices being achieved in the City and fringe areas. The future is bright for residential accommodation in this part of London and there is no doubt in my mind that London is moving east! n
Can you explain how the inventory service works? Professional Inventory services, such as Ashworth Group, provide a type of protection for landlords. A check-in inventory report is compiled and prepared at the beginning of a tenancy agreement, which provides a complete description of a property and is agreed by tenants and landlords as a contract. At the end of the letting agreement, we then provide a check out inventory report. This report allows the landlord to check the current condition with report, providing the landlord with a strong legal protection if anything is damaged. Everything is included, from the type and condition of interior decoration to the number and condition of furnishings. Inventories are equally important for unfurnished properties; if the main front door is scratched in top left hand corner, this is recorded. At Ashworth Group we also provide photographs; this helps us to provide a more accurate depiction of the condition of the property. You can think of an inventory as a type of guarantee for the condition of the property where if anything is damaged, missing or broken then the tenants will be obliged to cover the expenses.
Alan Selby & Partners 020 7519 5900
Why are Inventory services becoming more popular? Since the introduction of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) independent third party inventories have never been more important. Every day people are faced with difficult situations with their landlords and tenants. As the public is becoming more aware that inventory services are the solution to disputes, the services have become almost a necessity when letting out properties.
What’s the main benefit of enlisting an inventory service? In a fast-paced city like London, the duties of a landlord and tenant have become more difficult. Having an inventory provides peace of mind not just for landlords but also for tenants too. This is why at Ashworth Group we pay extremely high attention to detail to ensure a smooth transition. Tenants are also protected as the entire property’s condition is recorded beforehand so they cannot be accused of any damages they haven’t caused. Who are the main clients for an inventory service? Generally our client base ranges from corporate estate agents and other SME’s to private landlords.
When is a property Inventory report most effective? Property Inventory Reports are most effective when both the tenant and landlord have full confidence in them. In our experience, that only happens when an independent professional, such as Ashworth Group, completes the Inventory reports. Our research shows that it’s not just the big things that upset agents and landlords; the small defects can also cause issues. We take the hassle out of the renting and letting process. n Ashworth Group 0845 539 0101, info@ashworth-group.co.uk www.ashworth-group.co.uk 139
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y s nl nt O e tm ar
ap
le ft! These stylish and affordable apartments in Tower Hamlets are ideal for couples, families or as part of a shared purchase with a friend. So don’t miss out, call us today to arrange a viewing.
Buy from only £74,375* for a 25% share
So @
Stepney E1
Book your appointment today on
0844 409 6826
or visit: www.affordable-sostepney.co.uk Opening times:
Thursday 3.00pm - 7.00pm Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm By appointment only.
*Based on a two bedroom apartment with a full market value of £297,500. Terms & conditions apply.
THE PENTHOUSES @
avant-garde SHOREDITCH E1
LAUNCHING 13TH JUNE AT 4PM THE PENTHOUSES AT AVANT-GARDE Set in the heart of trendy Shoreditch this is urban living personified • Only two luxury specification penthouses available • Both have fantastic, spacious internal living space, large private • • • • • •
terraces and uninterrupted vistas towards The City of London Comfort cooling featured in both apartments 24 hour concierge service Private residents’ gymnasium An entrance reception and residents’ lounge to rival the very best boutique hotel or members’ club Underground parking* Landscaped squares and private residents’ roof terrace
CALL US NOW TO JOIN US AT OUR EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW LAUNCH OF THE PENTHOUSES
020 3538 6505 or click avantgardetower.co.uk Sales & Marketing Suite open Monday - Saturday 10am - 6pm • Sunday 11am - 5pm *Available as an optional extra at additional cost. Actual photograph of view from the Penthouse.
homes & property
expert comment LETTINGS:
SALES:
More activity but lower rents
Expect great things from Crossrail
VANESSA EVETT-BEESLEY, PARTNER AND OFFICE HEAD
ANDREW GROOCOCK, HEAD OF SALES AT KNIGHT
AT KNIGHT FRANK IN CANARY WHARF, COMMENTS ON
FRANK IN CANARY WHARF, COMMENTS ON THE TRENDS
THE TRENDS IN THE RESIDENTIAL LETTINGS MARKET
IN THE RESIDENTIAL SALES MARKET
April’s 0.1 per cent fall in prime rents marks a continuation of the downward trajectory that the prime central London lettings market has followed for the last ten months. Although rents are 22 per cent higher than the trough of the market in the second quarter of 2009, over the past 12 months rents have fallen by 3.2 per cent. Underpinning this trend is the weakness of the financial sector employment market which continues to bear the brunt of lacklustre economic activity in the UK and Europe. However, while the headline figures confirm that rents continue to fall, it is worth noting the differing price performance across areas. While the general trend so far this year has been for flat or slight growth, rents in St John’s Wood have declined by 5.2 per cent since January. In Notting Hill and Mayfair average rents have also slipped in 2013, by 1.8 per cent and 1.2 per cent respectively. However, both markets reported no change in rents during April. In contrast, prime rents in Kensington and Marylebone rose at the fastest pace in the first four months of 2013 and are 2.5 per cent and 1.9 per cent higher respectively. Other areas which have seen rents climb include Belgravia and Knightsbridge, although by a more modest 0.3 per cent and 0.2 per cent. Activity levels, considered without rent costs, suggest a healthier picture across the board. The number of new tenancies agreed in prime central London is up 30 per cent since January compared to the same period in 2012. Additionally, the number of applicant viewings is up in the first four months of the year, albeit by just two per cent. n
Crossrail is the most significant infrastructure project in London in nearly two decades, and is set to increase London’s rail transport capacity by ten per cent when it opens in 2018. This will be the single largest uplift in capacity since World War II and passenger numbers are expected to be in the region of 200 million a year. The dramatically faster travel times that will be possible once Crossrail opens will make central London more accessible to a greater number of workers, but will also make Crossrail’s central ‘hubs’ more attractive for residents given the increased ease with which they will be able to travel across the city. Canary Wharf has the biggest opportunity for residential development as a result of Crossrail. The improved connectivity provided by the new service, coupled with the speed of these services, will enhance what is set to become a major new residential hub in London. This is underlined by the number of private units currently in planning or under construction within 1km of the new station, which currently totals around 3,200. Adding recently completed units increases the total to around 4,700. While there is an established trend for some who work in Canary Wharf to live nearby, the ease of travelling to west London from 2018, as well as the new development and infrastructure in the pipeline in Canary Wharf itself, will make it a more attractive option for families, whether or not they work nearby. The impending arrival of Crossrail is likely to boost the residential market in Canary Wharf further making it a great time to invest in the area. n
Knight Frank Canary Wharf 020 7512 9966 www.knightfrank.co.uk/canary-wharf
Knight Frank Canary Wharf 020 7512 9966 www.knightfrank.co.uk/canary-wharf
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Taken from Knight Frank Residential Research report Action Stations
Ballymore’s finest tower by the River Thames next to Canary Wharf • Luxury suites, 1 & 2 bedroom apartments available • Residents-only exclusive 43rd floor 360 degree panoramic Skylounge and Terrace • Spectacular views of the River Thames, Canary Wharf and Central London skyline • Premium residents facilities including a business centre, athletic gym, 25 metre pool, spa and 24 hour concierge • Outstanding transport links for City Airport, Jubilee Line, DLR, Overground and the forthcoming new Crossrail Station (for direct links with Heathrow Airport) • A short walk into the heart of the Canary Wharf financial, retail and restaurant district
SUITES FROM £310,000 1 BEDS FROM £414,000 2 BEDS FROM £500,000 www.providencetower.com For more information please contact:
PROVIDENCE TOWER INFORMATION CENTRE 0800 954 5423 sales@providencetower.com Unit 8 New Providence Wharf 1 Fairmont Avenue London E14 9PF
PT_Ad_CanaryWharfMag.indd 1
15/05/2013 13:02
homes & property
Property Showcase Fashionable for the Family
T
hose desiring an attractive London family home should view this Georgian period house offering substantial accommodation over five floors. The three bedroom, three bathroom property dates from 1835 and offers lovely period features throughout including grand proportions over five floors. An abundance of living space includes a double reception room and separate lounge room, while a study and utility room are practical additions. The garden is south facing with access from the raised ground floor. Ellington Street is located just off Liverpool road within easy reach of Highbury & Islington and all the amenities of Angel. There are excellent transport links available to the City and the West End which makes the area a vibrant and popular base. n
Ellington Street, N1 ÂŁ2.25M freehold Knight Frank Islington www.knightfrank.co.uk/islington
020 3657 7340 144
for sale
Exclusive one, two & three bedroom apartments in the heart of Clerkenwell, EC1, just minutes from Tech City, the Barbican, and the Square Mile. – 7 day concierge (8am-8pm) – Outside space to all apartments – Ready for occupancy To book a viewing please call:
homes & property
INVESTMENT HOTSPOT Stepney As London’s property market continues to thrive, there are still some un-tapped locations with lots to offer potential residents, now and in the future
SO STEPNEY
Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding dress was made in Copperfield Road
So Stepney is one of many developments East Thames can offer people interested in affordable home ownership. The first phase of homes launched earlier this year sold out quickly. A further selection of one, two and three bedroom apartments are coming soon for Shared Ownership. Homes at So Stepney have style and substance, from balconies with wooden decking and bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, to kitchens with integrated Bosch appliances. Finished to a high standard, the properties offer residents convenience in attractive surroundings. The development is well-placed for residents to enjoy East London’s rich and distinct character. Regents Canal, traditional pubs and an independent cinema are just moments away, along with a wide range of sports facilities. Travel for work or leisure is easy, with Stepney Green station only ten minutes away. n
ben johnson road, E1 from £56,875* shared ownership East Thames www.affordable-sostepney.co.uk
0844 409 6827
VIVO
Victoria Park, with its music festivals including Lovebox, has been voted the Nation’s Favourite Park.
* For a 25% share based on the lowest priced one bedroom apartment with a full market value of £227,500. Terms and conditions apply. All homes subject to availability, eligibility and successful credit check.
A selection of top specification apartments has just been launched at VIVO in Stepney Green. The Rooftop Collection of luxury properties includes one, two and three-bedroom homes with large terraces of approximately 18sqm and generous balconies. The high-specification finish encompasses open-plan living spaces, large picture windows, under floor heating and top-of-the-range fixtures and fittings such as Bosch appliances and reconstituted stone worktops. Residents will feel in touching distance of The Gherkin which is just 11 minutes’ cycle away, while the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf lie just a ten minute stroll to the south. The new development has already attracted considerable interest. n
TRAFALGAR GARDENS, E1 FROM £249,950 LEASEHOLD Savills www.vivolondon.com
020 3069 2073 146
Stepney is within walking distance of Spitalfields and the Tower of London.
Stay close, live E1
Launching the Rooftop Collection
FABULOUS VIEWS FROM STUNNING TERRACES Take in spectacular views of the City, Canary Wharf and 02 Arena in Greenwich from the generously appointed terrace or balcony that each rooftop apartment offers. The RoofTop ColleCTion fRom £410,000 Marketing suite & show apartment open Monday – Sunday
– Spacious balconies or roof terraces to all apartments – High specification including underfloor heating, integrated Bosch appliances and composite stone worktops – Stunning views of the City, Canary Wharf, O2 Arena in Greenwich and beyond – Private landscaped communal gardens – Victoria Park & Mile End Park close by – 4 minute walk to Stepney Green Underground for District, Circle & Central lines to the City & West End – 12 minute walk to Limehouse (DLR) for Canary Wharf
To BooK An AppoinTmenT CAll 0203 069 2073 oR RegisTeR online AT vivolondon.Com Price is correct at time of going to print. Photograph taken from the 8th floor at VIVO. EPC = C.